After monopoly ruling: US government wants to separate Google and Chrome
In August, a US court ruled that Google was illegally exploiting its monopoly. As a consequence, the US government is likely to demand a radical step.
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The US government allegedly wants to take legal action to force Google to sell its Chrome web browser. This was reported by the US magazine Bloomberg, citing anonymous sources familiar with the plans. The claim is to be submitted to Judge Amit Mehta of the US Federal District Court in Washington D.C. as early as today. In August, he ruled that Google was abusing its market power in favor of its search engine business. The next step is to decide on possible consequences and, according to the report, the US government intends to argue for the spin-off of Chrome. A separation from Android is therefore off the table.
More guidelines for Google required
The US government now wants to split off Chrome because it is one of the central entry points to Google search, Bloomberg continues. In addition, Google is to be required to license search results and data for its own search. Furthermore, Google should be required to provide more options for websites whose operators do not want their content to be used for AI training. It is also proposed that Google must separate its Android mobile operating system from its apps, Bloomberg writes. The hearing is scheduled for April and a decision could be made in August.
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Should Google actually be obliged to sell Chrome, this would raise the question of which company could afford the browser at all. Bloomberg points out that potential interested parties with the necessary purchasing power, such as Amazon, are themselves being investigated under antitrust law. Chrome is by far the most widely used browser in the world and a central component of Google's business. Anyone who uses it and is logged in to Google at the same time reveals a lot about their own usage behavior, which is used for more targeted online advertising. Google also uses the browser to promote its in-house AI technology Gemini, which could become the next cornerstone of its market power.
The ruling on Google's monopoly position was made as part of a court case that was initiated under Donald Trump. According to the ruling, Google has a monopoly on general search engines and in the sub-market of text advertising on general search engines. This alone would not be illegal, but according to the court, Google has illegally exploited these monopolies to hinder competition. The next step is to consider the possible consequences, and Google will put up determined resistance. The company is already saying that the plans are part of a "radical agenda" that goes far beyond the legal dispute itself, Bloomberg quotes.
(mho)
