Breaking Google’s Monopoly: US Regulators Push For Chrome Sale, Seek Limits On Android OS To Curb Search Engine Favoritism

US regulators are seeking judicial intervention to dismantle Google's dominance in the search engine market, accusing the company of maintaining an abusive monopoly over the past decade. 

In a 23-page filing, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has proposed significant measures, including the divestiture of Google’s Chrome browser and restrictions on its Android operating system to prevent search engine favouritism. 

This follows US District Judge Amit Mehta’s August ruling that officially branded Google as a monopolist. Court hearings on the proposed remedies are set to begin in April 2025, with Judge Mehta expected to deliver a final decision by Labor Day. 

Should the court endorse the DOJ’s recommendations, Google is likely to file an appeal, extending an antitrust battle that has already spanned four years. 

The Justice Department has also called for banning Google’s multibillion-dollar deals that secure its search engine as the default on Apple’s iPhone and other devices, alongside requiring Google to share search data with competitors to foster fairer competition.

These measures, if implemented, could have profound implications for Google’s business operations, threatening a revenue stream projected to exceed $300 billion in 2024 and potentially destabilising the financial foundation of Alphabet Inc., its parent company, reported New Indian Express 

The DOJ emphasised that Google’s current market advantage stems from "ill-gotten gains of an advantage illegally acquired," arguing that the proposed remedies are essential to closing this gap.

The case evokes parallels to the landmark antitrust trial against Microsoft over two decades ago. In that instance, an appeals court overturned an order to break up Microsoft, a precedent that could influence Judge Mehta's reluctance to impose similar measures on Google. Legal experts suggest this historical context will weigh heavily in the proceedings.

The DOJ’s stance, however, could shift depending on the political landscape. If former President Donald Trump returns to office, there is speculation that Jonathan Kanter, Biden’s appointee leading the DOJ’s antitrust division, could be replaced, potentially altering the agency's aggressive approach.

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