Google's Chrome Browser in the Hot Seat: Justice Department Wants a Sale

The US Department of Justice (DoJ) is gearing up to ask a judge to force Google to sell its popular Chrome browser. This move is part of a larger effort to dismantle Google's dominance in the internet search market. The DoJ believes Google’s control over search engines and browsers is stifling competition. They want Google, which is owned by Alphabet, to let go of Chrome and implement new rules for its Android operating system and AI services. Several US states are joining the DoJ in this case, pushing for data licensing requirements to be imposed on Google. If the judge agrees, this could significantly change the online search landscape, where Google currently holds a massive 90% share. Google has argued that such a move would harm consumers and hinder technological progress in the US. This isn't the first time the US government has tried to break up a tech giant. In the 1990s, they attempted to split Microsoft over its software market dominance. While a judge initially ruled in favor of the DoJ, Microsoft successfully appealed, and the case was eventually dropped. The case against Google began under the Trump administration and has continued under Biden. Google has until December 20 to submit its proposed solutions. The company argues that the DoJ's demands go beyond legal boundaries and would negatively impact users and developers.