This week, Google addressed a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), outlining the potential ramifications of the proposed divestiture of the Chrome browser. The company emphasized concerns over possible repercussions for the U.S. economy and user data security, making it abundantly clear that it strongly opposes the breakup.
However, such hopes may ultimately prove futile. The DOJ recently reaffirmed its stance that Google should be required to separate Chrome from its operations. Notably, the agency has withdrawn its previous demand for the company to divest the Android operating system. Nevertheless, Google is still obligated to implement substantial reforms within Android to address underlying antitrust concerns.
At the heart of this antitrust case lies Google Search. Both the Chrome browser and the Android system serve as major conduits for driving vast amounts of traffic to Google’s search engine. The DOJ’s proposed measures aim to curb Google Search’s dominance by stripping away Chrome’s integral role in its ecosystem.
Additionally, the DOJ has mandated that Google reform its search engine partnership programs. Specifically, it must cease its practice of paying partners to promote Google Search—such as the multibillion-dollar agreements it strikes annually with Apple to set Google Search as the default engine in Safari.
It is worth noting that the decision to refrain from forcing a divestiture of Android is only temporary. The DOJ has stipulated that Google must enact a series of reforms within the Android ecosystem. Should these measures fail to foster sufficient market competition, the agency may still compel Google to sell off its Android business.
Google is expected to submit a revised proposal by the end of the week, incorporating modifications to its December 2024 submission. A corresponding hearing is scheduled for April 2025, with a final court ruling anticipated by September 2025.
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