Google's significant dominance in the internet search market is undeniable: today, the Chrome browser controls 61% segment only in the USA, according to StatCounter data. Nonetheless, This supposed monopoly could soon be reduced by requiring the browser to be sold to another technology company.
With the aim of reducing the brand's dominance in the area of search and digital advertising, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) must request that Alphabet, Google's parent company, sell Chrome. In August, a court ruling declared that the company was monopolizing the search market through illegal practices.
Judge Amit Metah will be responsible for judging this and other proposals linked to the regulation of Google activities. The hearings were scheduled for April 2025 and should take place over two weeks. The final sentence is scheduled for August of the same year.
Chrome: essential in Google strategies
At the moment, the Chrome browser is the most used worldwide. In addition to promoting Gemini, AI product (artificial intelligence) do Google, the tool is essential for the company's advertising strategy, allowing user data to be accessed and targeted for advertisements.
If the required changes are implemented, the search and advertising market could transform completely. The ruling will create opportunities for startups and rival companies to develop their own technologies and grow more easily.
Additional measures
In addition to selling the browser, other additional measures are being recommended by the courts. The changes should cover topics such as data licensing requirements, use of artificial intelligence and adaptations to the Android operating system. Although, the execution of contracts that encourage monopoly is the main accusation against Google today.
If the sentence is handed down, the company must restrict the validity of exclusive contracts that make it difficult for competitors to operate. For greater control, Google must still provide more information about advertisers and where their ads are run. Furthermore, Android may have the system separated from platforms such as Google Play and search.
Finally, the technology giant must comply with data licensing requirements, where it will be forced to sell underlying data to facilitate operations between competing search engines. The court will still study changes in the use of AI-based responses, displayed at the top of search pages.
The feasibility of the sales proposal
Nonetheless, the most severe measure, which also requested the sale of the Android operating system, has already been denied by the judge. Despite this action, at the moment, Market analysts question the viability of selling the browser due to the difficulty of finding suitable buyers.
Faced with all these possible changes, Google contested the proposals. In your defense, the company stated that the sale of Chrome would harm consumers and the entire American technology chain. “The DOJ’s radical agenda goes beyond the legal issues involved in this case”, said Lee-Anne Mulholland, vice president of regulatory affairs Google.
