US reportedly planning to force Google to sell Chrome, separate Android from other products

US Justice Department is set to request a judge to mandate that Google divest its Chrome browser, according to Bloomberg. The department may also propose additional measures targeting artificial intelligence and Google’s Android operating system. Judge Amit Mehta might also consider imposing data licensing requirements on the tech giant. If these proposals are accepted, it would mark an unprecedented legal action against a big tech company.

This development follows an August ruling in which the court found Google guilty of violating antitrust laws by maintaining monopolistic control over the search and advertising markets. “After having carefully considered and weighed the witness testimony and evidence, the court reaches the following conclusion: Google is a monopolist, and it has acted as one to maintain its monopoly,” the ruling stated.

Currently, Google Chrome leads the global browser market with a commanding 65% share, while Apple’s Safari trails at 21%, according to SimilarWeb’s October 2024 data.

Google to be asked to unbundle Android from other services: 

Antitrust officials have reportedly moved away from the drastic option of forcing Google to sell Android. However, Google could still face some radical measures with Android as officials prepare to propose decoupling the Android OS from other Google products such as search and Google Play Mobile.

The Mountain View, California-based company could also be asked to give websites ‘more options to prevent their content from being used by Google’s artificial intelligence products’.

Will Donald Trump's re-election impact the Google antitrust case?

The antitrust probe began during the Donald Trump administration and progressed to fruition under President Biden. The Google case stands out as one of the landmark actions taken by the Biden administration against so-called Big Tech monopolies.

The Justice Department is expected to file its final draft of recommended penalties against Google on Wednesday. However, a reshuffled Justice Department under Trump could potentially reverse its position following the November 20 ruling.

In September, Trump criticised Google for displaying “bad stories” about him and claimed that the Justice Department would prosecute the Sundar Pichai-led company for election interference. However, last month, Trump softened his stance, suggesting he opposed breaking up Google. This indicates that Google might expect to negotiate a better deal with the Justice Department when Trump takes office in January.

A two-week hearing in the antitrust case is scheduled to begin in April 2025, with the judge expected to deliver a final judgment by August 2025. Google has already confirmed its intention to appeal the ruling once the judgement is announced.