Back in August, a U.S. federal court ruled against Google in a landmark antitrust case, finding the tech giant guilty of violating federal antitrust laws. This decision sets the stage for what could become the most significant corporate restructuring in decades—potentially rivaling the historic breakup of AT&T/Bell in the 1980s. While the exact nature of enforcement actions remains undecided, recent reports suggest that the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) might propose compelling Google to sell its Chrome browser.
Chrome on the Chopping Block
According to a Bloomberg report, which has consistently provided reliable updates on the case, the DoJ is zeroing in on Chrome as the focal point for addressing Google’s alleged monopoly. While earlier discussions entertained the possibility of breaking up Google’s core assets—Search, Android, and Chrome—the latest developments indicate that Chrome is the prime candidate for divestiture.
Beyond breaking up Chrome, the DoJ reportedly plans to recommend barring Google from entering exclusive contracts with OEMs for preloading Android and Chrome on devices. Additionally, the DoJ aims to mandate greater transparency and provide websites with tools to opt out of Google’s extensive data scraping operations for AI training.
Judicial Oversight and Google’s Appeal
The final decision on enforcement lies with District Judge Amit P. Mehta, who has broad authority to determine whether Chrome’s divestiture—or any alternative measures—will effectively address the monopoly ruling. Regardless of the outcome, Google is expected to mount a vigorous appeal, potentially delaying any punitive action.
Unsurprisingly, Google’s response has been combative. A company vice president criticized the DoJ’s approach, accusing it of advancing “a radical agenda that goes far beyond the legal issues in this case.”
Political Dynamics and Potential Outcomes
Google’s legal strategy may also involve leveraging the political landscape. With Trump’s recent election victory and a second term set to begin in just two months, Google might be banking on delays in the judicial process to outlast the current administration. Historically, Republican administrations, particularly under Trump, have favored reduced federal oversight and regulation of corporations.
However, the situation isn’t straightforward. While Republican policymakers generally oppose heavy regulation, they’ve targeted tech companies like Google for alleged political bias. Trump himself has been openly critical of Google, accusing the company of manipulating search results to suppress favorable coverage. In an October interview, Trump said, “Google’s got a lot of power. They’re very bad to me… I think it’s a whole rigged deal.” Adding to the pressure, vice president-elect JD Vance has called for breaking up Google, labeling it “one of the most dangerous companies in the world.”
As a result, Google faces scrutiny from both the current DoJ and the incoming administration. Whether the case results in a breakup, stricter regulations, or other punitive measures, the tech giant finds itself in an increasingly precarious position.
