US DOJ Considers Breaking Up Google: Potential Sale of Android and Chrome to End Search Monopoly | Tech News

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The US Department of Justice is contemplating forcing Google to divest major units like Android and Chrome to dismantle its illegal monopoly in online search. Following a judge’s August ruling that Google’s 90% market share is unlawful

In a bold move, the United States is contemplating forcing Alphabet’s Google to split its business. The Department of Justice (DoJ) announced on Tuesday, October 8, that it might ask a judge to make Google sell off key units like Chrome and Android. This comes after a judge ruled in August that Google holds an illegal monopoly in online search, controlling a staggering 90% of US internet searches.

Remedies That Could Change the Internet Landscape

The DoJ’s proposed actions aim to:

• Divest Key Units: Separate Chrome browser and Android operating system from Google’s main business.
• Open Up Data Access: Require Google to share its search indexes, data, and AI models with competitors.
• End Default Deals: Stop Google from paying companies like Apple billions annually to keep its search engine as the default on devices.

“These changes could significantly reduce Google’s revenue and give rivals a fair chance to grow,” the Justice Department stated. The proposed remedies are not just about today but also about preventing Google from maintaining its dominance in the future, especially in the rapidly growing field of artificial intelligence.

Google Pushes Back, Calls it “Radical”

Google has strongly opposed the DoJ’s plans, labeling them as “radical” and claiming they “go far beyond the specific legal issues in this case.” The tech giant argues that its search engine remains competitive, citing strong user preference for Google’s quality and the availability of alternatives like Amazon and other search platforms where users can choose their preferred search engine.

Competition Backs the Move

Not all big players are backing Google. Smaller competitors like Yelp and DuckDuckGo have voiced support for the DoJ’s proposals. Yelp, which filed a lawsuit against Google in August, insists that spinning off Chrome and AI services should be considered. Additionally, Yelp demands that Google should not prioritize its own local business pages in search results, ensuring a level playing field for all businesses.

What’s Next:

The DoJ plans to submit a detailed proposal to the court by November 20, with Google given until December 20 to present its own remedies. This legal showdown marks a significant victory for antitrust enforcers targeting Big Tech. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta’s ruling in Washington has set the stage for what could be a transformative case for the tech industry.

Google has hinted at an appeal, maintaining that it offers a top-notch search experience and faces healthy competition.

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