U.S. seeks breakup of Google search and browser dominance
Alphabet’s Google is facing a high-stakes antitrust trial in Washington, with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) aiming to force the tech giant to sell off its Chrome browser. The trial, starting Monday, is part of efforts to restore fair competition in the online search engine market.
This legal action follows two significant antitrust victories for the DOJ. In August, a ruling found that Google held an illegal monopoly over online search. Just last week, a Virginia judge ruled against Alphabet in a separate case concerning advertising technology dominance.
The latest trial could redefine how people access information online, potentially challenging Google’s position as the default gateway to the internet.
Major changes to Google’s business model proposed
The DOJ and 38 state attorneys general are pushing for sweeping changes. Their proposals include banning Google’s exclusive deals with companies like Apple and other device manufacturers, where Google pays to remain the default search engine.
If these remedies do not reintroduce competition, Google could also be forced to sell off its Android operating system. Prosecutors argue that such deals block newer competitors, especially AI search companies, from gaining a foothold. Witnesses from Perplexity AI and OpenAI are expected to testify.
Another measure could compel Google to license its search results to rivals, aiming to level the playing field for new entrants.
Google defends business model and warns of consequences
Google plans to appeal any final ruling. In a blog post, executive Lee-Anne Mulholland argued that the DOJ’s demands go too far, ignoring previous Supreme Court guidance to exercise caution with antitrust remedies.
Google maintains that cutting financial deals with browser developers and phone makers has supported a healthier tech ecosystem. The company warns that removing this funding could endanger smaller browser firms like Mozilla and lead to higher prices for smartphones.
Google also said very few potential buyers of Chrome would invest in maintaining its open-source foundation. This code forms the basis for many other browsers, including Microsoft’s.
High-profile witnesses and court battle ahead
The trial will take place under U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta, who is also overseeing another antitrust case involving Meta’s acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp.
Google will call witnesses from Mozilla, Verizon and Apple – the latter having attempted but failed to join the case. Apple receives significant payments from Google to maintain the search engine as its default, a practice now under scrutiny.
With a market value of $1.9 trillion, Google is now facing one of the most consequential legal challenges in its history. The case’s outcome could dramatically shift the tech landscape, opening the door for alternative search tools and browsers.
with inputs from Reuters