US Department of Justice may push Google to sell Chrome: report

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) may ask a federal judge to force Google to sell its Chrome internet browser, according to a recent Bloomberg News report. This move comes as part of the DOJ's ongoing efforts to address Google's alleged monopoly in the search market.  

According to the report, the DOJ also wants changes to how Google handles its Android operating system and artificial intelligence tools. Chrome, used by about two-thirds of internet users worldwide, plays a big role in how Google shows ads and earns revenue.

Google has defended its position, arguing that its success comes from providing better services and says users have other options, like Amazon, for online searches. Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google's vice president for regulatory affairs, called the DOJ's plan a "radical agenda" that could hurt consumers, states the report.

The court is set to discuss possible remedies in April 2025, including ending Google's exclusive deals with companies like Apple or breaking up parts of its business, such as Chrome or Android. Judge Amit Mehta is expected to make a final decision by August 2025.

As per a report by Reuters on the matter, this case is one of the Biden administration's biggest attempts to take on Big Tech monopolies, but the outcome could depend on the political situation, including the victory of Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election.