Google is facing a potential forced sale of its Chrome browser amidst antitrust allegations in the US. Prosecutors have argued that Google must sell its Chrome browser to enhance competition in the online search market. This suggestion was made in a 23-page document filed by the US Justice Department. The document also recommends imposing restrictions to prevent Google’s Android smartphone software from favoring its search engine.
If these rules are put in place, Google could face strict regulations for a decade. Currently, Google dominates 90% of the online search market and 95% on smartphones. The court papers filed recently further elaborate on the initial proposal to weaken Google’s monopoly in the market.
Google has expressed that these proposals are radical and could negatively impact US consumers and businesses. The company believes that such measures could undermine American competitiveness in the field of artificial intelligence. Google has stated its intention to appeal these recommendations.
The US Department of Justice, along with a group of states, is pushing for an end to exclusive agreements where Google pays significant amounts to Apple and other device manufacturers to have its search engine as the default option on their devices. Google will have the opportunity to present its own suggestions in December. A trial on these proposals is scheduled for April, but the final decision could be influenced by the incoming President and the new antitrust head of the Department of Justice.
