Justice Department reportedly pushing Google to spin off Chrome | TechCrunch
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is reportedly taking steps to force Google to spin off its Chrome browser business. The move is part of a broader effort to address antitrust concerns and reduce the company’s dominance in key digital markets. The development follows a historic ruling in August when federal judge Amit Mehta declared that Google violated antitrust laws in both online search and search text ad markets.
Bloomberg reported that the DOJ plans to recommend significant changes to Google’s business operations. This includes mandating Chrome’s separation from Google to address the monopoly concerns tied to its web search dominance. Chrome, which controls about 61% of the U.S. browser market according to StatCounter, plays a pivotal role in channeling users to Google Search. Regulators argue this gives Google an unfair advantage over competitors.
The Justice Department’s case against Google has been years in the making. It marked one of the largest antitrust challenges in recent history, targeting the tech giant’s practices in search and advertising. Prosecutors argued that Google leveraged its position to stifle competition and solidify its monopoly.
This latest push comes as part of enforcement actions stemming from the court’s August decision. Besides focusing on Chrome, the DOJ is also reportedly scrutinizing Google’s Android operating system and its artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. These areas, prosecutors claim, are additional mechanisms through which Google maintains control over the digital ecosystem.
Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., is likely to contest these recommendations. The company has consistently denied any wrongdoing and argued that its services provide significant value to users. In previous statements, Google claimed that its dominance in search and advertising is the result of better products and user preference, not anti-competitive practices.
The potential breakup of Chrome could significantly alter the browser landscape. As one of the most widely used browsers globally, Chrome integrates seamlessly with Google’s suite of services. Its separation from Google could impact not just its development but also the way users interact with other Google products.
The DOJ’s antitrust actions against Google are part of a broader crackdown on Big Tech. In recent years, regulators and lawmakers have intensified scrutiny of companies like Apple, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft. Critics argue that these firms wield excessive power over markets, often at the expense of smaller competitors and consumers.
The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how regulators address monopolistic practices in the tech industry. It may also influence how companies approach innovation and competition in the digital space. For now, Google faces the challenge of defending its business structure while navigating the growing wave of regulatory pressure.
Observers expect more details to emerge in the coming weeks as the Justice Department submits its recommendations to the federal court. The tech world will be watching closely, as the implications of a potential Chrome spinoff could reshape the industry for years to come.
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