DoJ might force Google sell Chrome browser

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is attempting to force Google to sell its Chrome browser as part of an antitrust investigation into the company's dominance in internet search. This action comes after a court ruling in August 2024 determined that the Mountain View behemoth had illegally maintained its monopoly. The DOJ claims that Chrome plays a significant role in increasing Google Search user numbers by making it the default search engine, effectively eliminating competition. Breaking away from Chrome might have a significant impact on both the IT industry and how we interact with the internet.

This is hardly Google's first encounter with monopoly accusations. For years, critics have pointed out how Google bundles its services, such as Android and the Play Store, to keep its goods dominant. The DOJ's current policy of demanding divestitures, such as dividing Chrome or Android, represents a more aggressive stance than previous instances, which mainly imposed fines or behavioural modifications. Google, of course, claims that such a divorce would harm consumers by interrupting service integration and jeopardising security measures.

Interestingly, this case is not solely about Chrome. The DOJ has also hinted at pursuing other sections of Google's empire, such as Android, implying that the company's extensive impact across many tech ecosystems may need to be limited. For Google, the stakes could not be greater; losing Chrome or other critical assets may jeopardise the company's capacity to generate ad income and develop, which is essentially the company's lifeblood.

The likelihood of industry-wide repercussions adds to the chaos. If Google is compelled to sell Chrome, may Apple or Amazon follow suit?