Google Pushes Back Against Potential DOJ Proposal to Sell Chrome

Google has reacted strongly to reports that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) may propose forcing the tech giant to sell its Chrome browser as part of antitrust remedies. The DOJ is expected to present its final recommendations to a judge this week in response to an August ruling that deemed Google a monopoly in online search.

Bloomberg reported the DOJ might also push for new restrictions on Google’s artificial intelligence (AI), Android operating system, and data usage practices. In a statement, Google executive Lee-Anne Mulholland criticized the proposal, saying, “The DOJ continues to push a radical agenda that goes far beyond the legal issues in this case.”

Mulholland warned that such measures would harm consumers, developers, and U.S. technological leadership at a critical time for innovation.

Chrome is the dominant web browser worldwide, commanding 64.61% of the global market as of October, according to Similarweb. Google’s search engine, with an estimated 90% global market share, benefits significantly from being the default search option in Chrome and other browsers, such as Safari on iPhones.

Judge Amit Mehta previously described default search engine agreements as “extremely valuable real estate” for Google, noting that competitors would need to spend billions to secure similar deals.

The DOJ has hinted at potentially breaking up Google to address concerns over its ability to leverage products like Chrome, the Play Store, and Android to maintain its search monopoly. Final proposals are expected to include remedies aimed at limiting Google’s dominance across multiple platforms.

Google remains firm in its opposition, maintaining that the proposed measures would negatively impact users and innovation. The outcome of the DOJ’s recommendations will shape the future of antitrust enforcement in the tech industry.