Will the DOJ Get Google to Divest Itself, Starting With Selling off Google Chrome?
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DOJ's Bold Move: Why Google Might Have to Sell Chrome
In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing antitrust battle between the Department of Justice and Google, the DOJ has proposed a remedy that could fundamentally reshape the internet landscape: forcing Google to sell its Chrome browser. This proposal comes after a summer ruling that found Google maintaining illegal monopolies in both online search and search advertising markets.
The Chrome Dilemma
The DOJ's focus on Chrome isn't arbitrary. As Bloomberg's antitrust reporter Leah Nylen explains, the browser has become more than just a way to access the web – it's become a crucial gateway that automatically directs traffic to Google's search engine. This integration, combined with billions in payments to ensure Google's search dominance, has helped cement the company's monopoly position.
Chrome's value extends beyond search traffic. The browser serves as a vital data collection tool for Google, gathering information about users' online behaviors, email usage, and video consumption patterns when they're logged into their Google accounts. This data feeds directly into Google's primary revenue stream: advertising.
Beyond Chrome: A Comprehensive Reform Package
The DOJ's proposed remedies don't stop at Chrome. Other key measures include:
- Data Licensing Requirements: Forcing Google to share its vast data resources with competitors, potentially leveling the playing field in search quality improvements
- Android Unbundling: Ending Google's "all-or-nothing" approach to Android services, allowing phone manufacturers to choose which Google apps to install
- Search Engine Choice: Making it easier for users to switch to alternative search engines
The Price Tag and Potential Buyers
Industry estimates place Chrome's value between $15-20 billion – notably just half of what Elon Musk paid for Twitter. While tech giants like Microsoft and Apple would likely be blocked from purchasing Chrome due to competition concerns, potential buyers could include:
- AI startups like OpenAI or Perplexity
- Emerging search engines like DuckDuckGo or Ecosia
- Private equity firms interested in tech infrastructure
- Wealthy individual investors
Timeline and Implications
The road ahead is long. Google will respond with its own proposal in the coming month, followed by:
- DOJ's counter-response in March
- A two-week hearing in April
- Final decision by summer 2025
- Likely appeals process lasting 12-18 months
This means any major changes wouldn't take effect until late 2026 or early 2027. However, the implications could extend far beyond Google, potentially setting precedents for other tech antitrust cases involving companies like Meta, Amazon, Apple, and even Ticketmaster.
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