Plans for a forced sale of Android not included: The US Department of Justice (DOJ) is planning to request a court-mandated sale of Google’s web browser, Chrome, to curb the company’s overwhelming dominance in the search market. According to Bloomberg, on the 18th (local time), the DOJ intends to ask the Washington D.C. federal court, which ruled in August that Google illegally monopolized the search market, to enforce the sale of Chrome as an antitrust remedy. At that time, Judge Amit Mehta labeled Google as a “monopoly company abusing its market dominance and restricting competition.” Consequently, the DOJ is crafting strategies to prevent Google’s dominance in the search market, and selling Chrome is one of the considered options.
The DOJ argues that Chrome, being the most widely used web browser globally and a primary access point to Google’s search engine, needs to be sold. Chrome’s market share is significant, capturing 61% in the US alone. The DOJ analysis indicates that this significant market power blocks other companies from entering the search market. However, it is reported that the harsh option of forcing Google to sell Android, its smartphone operating system, is not included this time.
In addition to the proposal for Chrome’s forced sale, the DOJ plans to request the court to impose measures related to Google’s artificial intelligence (AI) technology and Android operating system. They will also suggest that Google provide access rights to its search data so competitors and other companies can utilize it.
Judge Mehta will consider the DOJ’s requests and prepare a plan by August next year to address Google’s monopoly in the search market. Bloomberg points out, “The DOJ’s proposal could potentially reshape the online search market and the rapidly growing AI industry.” Google plans to review the final ruling by August next year and consider its appeal options.
Foreign media note that the perspective of President-elect Donald Trump, who will assume office on January 20, could significantly influence this case. Trump, two months before the election, accused Google of being biased against him and threatened legal action, although a month later, he questioned whether dismantling Google was a good idea.