Google has pushed back against the United States government’s call to sell its Chrome browser, proposing alternative measures to address antitrust concerns.
On Friday, Google suggested a court order preventing it from requiring preferential treatment of its software as a condition for licensing its popular apps like Chrome, Play Store, or Gemini AI.
This comes after the US Department of Justice in November requested that a federal judge order the breakup of Google’s business by forcing the sale of its widely-used Chrome browser. The DOJ also called for a ban on deals that make Google the default search engine on smartphones and prevent the company from leveraging its Android mobile operating system to dominate the market.
In a 12-page filing, Google urged the court to focus on barring certain practices rather than dismantling the company.
“Nothing in this Final Judgment shall otherwise prohibit Google from providing consideration to a mobile device manufacturer or wireless carrier with respect to any Google product or service in exchange for such entity’s distribution, placement on any access point, promotion, or licensing of that Google product or service,” Google stated in its proposed order.
This means Google would be allowed to offer incentives to device manufacturers or carriers to promote its products but would no longer be able to tie favorable treatment to app licensing.
The case is part of a landmark antitrust trial against Google. In August, US District Court Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google holds a monopoly. The next phase of the trial will determine how to address these antitrust violations.
The DOJ accused Google of using its confidential agreements with companies like Apple to secure its position as the default search engine on browsers, iPhones, and other devices. These deals reportedly provided Google with massive access to user data, enabling it to maintain its dominance in the search engine market.
The DOJ’s call for a breakup of Google marks a significant shift in US regulatory action, which has largely avoided breaking up tech giants since the failed attempt to dismantle Microsoft two decades ago.
If Judge Mehta sides with the DOJ’s proposal, Google is expected to appeal the decision, potentially extending the legal battle for years. This could eventually take the case to the US Supreme Court.
The arrival of President-elect Donald Trump in January could also impact the case. Trump’s administration is expected to replace the current team overseeing the DOJ’s antitrust division. The new leadership could choose to continue with the case, negotiate a settlement, or drop the case entirely.
The trial, which concluded last year, revealed details about Google’s business practices, including its significant payments to companies like Apple to secure its search engine as the default option.
While the DOJ pushes for a breakup, Google’s counterproposal seeks to address the core issues without dismantling its business.
