The ongoing battle between the US Department of Justice and Google has reached another milestone as federal regulators maintain their position that the tech giant should sell off its Chrome browser to address antitrust concerns. This development represents the latest chapter in the government's efforts to curb what it has deemed monopolistic practices in the internet search market.
DOJ Doubles Down on Chrome Divestiture
In a revised 27-page proposal submitted to the court over the weekend, the Department of Justice, along with 38 state attorneys general, has reaffirmed its stance that Google should divest Chrome. The filing argues this action would provide an opportunity for a new rival to operate a significant gateway to search the internet, free of Google's monopoly control. This follows the August ruling by a federal court that labeled Google a monopolist in the search engine market, prompting the DOJ to propose remedies to address the company's market dominance.
Timeline:
- August 2023: Federal court ruled Google a "monopolist"
- November 2023: DOJ proposed initial remedies including Chrome divestiture
- December 2023: Google submitted counter-proposals
- March 2024: DOJ submitted revised proposal
- April 2024: Trial on remedies scheduled
- Summer 2024: Expected remedies ruling
- 2025-2026: Likely conclusion after appeals
Android Divestiture Remains a Possibility
While the DOJ is primarily focused on Chrome, the proposal maintains that Google may also need to sell Android if other proposed remedies prove ineffective. The filing indicates that divesting Android would be a fallback option if Google manages to circumvent the initial solutions or if they fail to foster adequate competition in the search market. This two-tiered approach demonstrates the government's determination to ensure meaningful changes to the search landscape.
Relief for Google's AI Investments
In what represents a partial victory for Google, the DOJ has dropped its earlier proposal to restrict the company's artificial intelligence acquisitions. This change came after AI startup Anthropic, which has received substantial investment from Google, informed the court that losing this funding could disadvantage its products against competitors like Microsoft and OpenAI. Instead of an outright ban, prosecutors are now suggesting that Google should be required to notify authorities before making AI-related acquisitions, indicating a shift toward regulatory oversight rather than prohibition.
Google's Response and Next Steps
Google has strongly objected to the DOJ's proposals, with a company spokesperson telling Reuters that these sweeping proposals continue to go miles beyond the Court's decision, and would harm America's consumers, economy and national security. The company submitted its own proposals in December, though selling Chrome was not among them. Google has already confirmed its intention to appeal the monopoly ruling.
Key DOJ Proposals:
- Divestiture of Google Chrome browser
- Potential divestiture of Android if other remedies fail
- Notification requirement for AI-related acquisitions (revised from previous ban)
- Elimination of default search agreements with companies like Apple and Mozilla
Timeline for Resolution
The DOJ's proposals will go to trial next month under U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta, with a remedies ruling expected by summer 2024. However, the appeals process is likely to extend the final resolution by at least another year or two, meaning the ultimate fate of Google Chrome remains uncertain for the foreseeable future. This protracted legal battle highlights the complex challenges of regulating competition in the rapidly evolving tech sector.