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DOJ Demands Google Sell Chrome, Android to Break Up Search Monopoly

Nov 21, 2024, 05:20 AM

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) is planning to ask a federal judge to force Alphabet's Google to sell its Chrome browser, and potentially divest its Android mobile operating system, in an unprecedented antitrust move aimed at dismantling the company's alleged monopoly in online search. In a 23-page filing submitted late Wednesday, the DOJ argues that Google's ownership of the world's most popular web browser and mobile operating system, combined with its dominance in search, create an illegal monopoly that stifles competition. The DOJ is also seeking to prohibit Google from owning search competitors and wants the company to syndicate search results and information to rivals for 10 years. Additionally, the DOJ aims to prevent Google from favoring its own search engine in Chrome and Android. This historic action follows a court ruling that found Google maintained an abusive monopoly over the past decade by spending billions on deals with manufacturers to favor its search engine. Google's Chrome browser holds about 61% market share in the US, and search advertising accounted for $49.4 billion in revenue during Google's third quarter. The DOJ argues that these measures are necessary to break up Google's stranglehold on search and restore competitive balance in the market. Google is expected to fight this move vigorously, calling it an unprecedented and unwarranted action.