U.S. DOJ To Seek Court Order for Google’s Chrome Divestiture

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is reportedly set to request a court order requiring Alphabet’s Google to divest its Chrome internet browser, Bloomberg News reports.

This comes after an August ruling that found Google had unlawfully monopolised the search market.

The DOJ is also expected to seek remedies addressing Google’s artificial intelligence practices and its Android operating system, aiming to curb its dominance in internet browsing and advertising. Chrome, which commands about two-thirds of the global browser market, integrates Google Search and collects user data vital to Google’s ad revenue.

In response, Google, through Regulatory Affairs VP Lee-Anne Mulholland, criticised the DOJ’s agenda, calling it a “radical approach” that could harm consumers.

Also Read: U.S. Plans Legal Action to Force Google Divestiture 

The proposed move is among the Biden administration’s most assertive actions against perceived Big Tech monopolies.

Trump has previously criticised Google for alleged bias but questioned the merits of breaking up the company.

Prosecutors have suggested remedies ranging from terminating exclusive agreements, such as Google’s payments to Apple for default search engine placement, to divesting key business units like Chrome or Android. While Google asserts its search dominance stems from quality, it also argues it faces competition from platforms like Amazon.

The final decision from U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta is expected by August 2025, with a trial on the proposed remedies scheduled for April. Google plans to appeal any unfavourable ruling.