Google Counters US Call for Chrome Browser Sale

Google has pushed back against the US government’s antitrust demands, proposing an alternative to the forced sale of its Chrome browser. The internet giant filed a 12-page order late Friday recommending restrictions on its licensing practices instead of dismantling its operations.

Google’s Proposal

The company suggested that Judge Amit Mehta, who previously ruled Google a monopoly, impose restrictions preventing it from:

• Requiring device manufacturers to pre-install Google’s search software or set it as the default in exchange for licensing its popular apps, such as Chrome and Google Play.
• Leveraging its Android mobile operating system to secure unfair distribution advantages.

Google emphasized that this approach would address the antitrust concerns without the need for a drastic corporate breakup.

US Government’s Call for Action

In November, the Department of Justice (DOJ) took a bold stance, urging the court to order Google to:

• Sell its Chrome browser.
• Prohibit deals that make Google the default search engine on smartphones.
• End practices that exploit its dominance over the Android operating system.

This aggressive move marks a significant shift in regulatory approaches to tech monopolies, reminiscent of earlier attempts to break up Microsoft in the 1990s.

What’s at Stake?

The trial, part of a landmark antitrust crackdown, scrutinized Google’s lucrative deals with manufacturers like Apple to make its search engine the default choice on devices. Judge Mehta previously determined that these practices allowed Google to dominate the global search market by collecting unparalleled user data.

Future Implications

The final decision in this case could set a precedent for regulating Big Tech. However, several factors could influence its outcome:

• Appeals Process: Google is expected to appeal any unfavorable ruling, potentially taking the case to the US Supreme Court.
• Trump Administration’s Influence: President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration could reshape the DOJ’s antitrust priorities, possibly renegotiating or even abandoning the case.

Impact on Tech Regulation

If the DOJ succeeds in its bid to break up Google, it would signal a seismic shift in how regulators address monopolistic practices in the tech industry. Conversely, if Google’s proposal prevails, it may establish a model for resolving antitrust disputes without dismantling companies.

This case represents a critical test of US antitrust law’s ability to adapt to the challenges posed by tech giants in the digital age.