Justice Department Seeks to Strip Chrome Browser from Google in Major Antitrust Crackdown

The U.S. Department of Justice has proposed significant structural changes to Google, including the divestiture of its Chrome browser, following a federal court's ruling that found the company maintained an illegal monopoly in the search engine market. Bastian Riccardi / Pexels

In a 23-page document filed Wednesday, federal regulators outlined remedies that would require Google to sell Chrome and implement restrictions on Android's search engine preferences. The Justice Department argues that divesting Chrome would "permanently stop Google's control of this critical search access point and allow rival search engines the ability to access the browser that for many users is a gateway to the internet." Sarah Blocksidge / Pexels

Google's Chief Legal Officer Kent Walker responded by stating the proposal represents "a radical interventionist agenda that would harm Americans and America's global technology." U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jette Carr / Wikimedia

Walker claimed that the "overly broad proposal" could compromise privacy and hinder Google's artificial intelligence developments. AS Photography / Pexels

The proposed measures also include prohibiting Google from establishing default search agreements, requiring the company to license its search index data to competitors, and implementing transparency measures for advertising pricing. Firmbee.com / Pexels

The case, which began during the Trump administration, faces potential shifts in enforcement approach as the political landscape changes.

In a recent commentary on tech regulation, former President Donald Trump suggested potential oversight for Google without advocating for its complete dismantlement. Trump highlighted the possibility of implementing fairness measures, stating, "What you can do without breaking it up is make sure it's more fair." Michael Vadon / Pexels

Legal scholars have raised concerns about the scope of the proposed remedies in relation to the initial court decision. According to ABC News, Syracuse University law professor Shubha Ghosh suggests the recommendations may be overreaching. "It is probably going a little beyond," Ghosh said of the Chrome breakup. "The remedies should match the harm, it should match the transgression. This does seem a little beyond that pale." Luca Sammarco / Pexels