Hate it or love it, there's no way to deny that Google Chrome is the biggest web browser in the world, whether you're using a smartphone or you're on a computer. If you're an Android user, there's even more reason to pitch your tent with Chrome, as the synergy is even stronger in that case.
Chrome has become powerfully associated with Google. However, if the US Department of Justice has its way, those two may need to part ways forever, as Google was determined to be a monopolist and Google Chrome is one of its key tools in keeping that monopoly going.
Google Was Determined To Be Running A Monopoly In The Search Engine Industry
Way back in 2020, the US Department of Justice and several US states filed a lawsuit against Google over antitrust concerns and the belief that it had a monopoly over search and advertising in search. The trial was held in 2023, and finally, in August 2024, a ruling was passed by a federal judge. It determined that Google was indeed a monopolist in the search industry (though not in search-related advertising).
To maintain this monopoly, Google utilizes tools within its power, such as Google Chrome and Android, to push its Google search engine, and considering the reach of those two, the Google search engine gets pushed to tens of millions of more people just like that.
It was also found that Google paid billions of dollars yearly to major smartphone makers, carriers, and browser developers, to get them to push Google as the default search engine. That list includes major brands like Samsung with a majority of the sum believed to be going to Apple.
At The Moment, Google Hasn't Been Given Any Solutions
It's not all over for Google though, as the DOJ will be willing to work with the search giant in figuring out potential remedies to the problem. These suggested remedies will allow the company to keep operating but without the unfair advantage of its monopoly.
For now, Google will need to wait until April 2025 before any solutions are officially recommended for them to implement.
One Of The Potential Remedies To Google's “Crimes” Would Be To Sell Chrome
As much as there are no certain remedies officially available for Google to implement until next year, there have been reports on potential remedies from sources close to the case, according to Bloomberg.
Perhaps the most noteworthy solution that might be proposed by the Department of Justice's antitrust officials would be to get Google to sell Chrome—that would certainly make the news. Ever since 2008, Chrome has been associated with Google, so breaking that link could very significantly shift the web browser space, both on desktop and mobile. It's estimated that the browser could be worth $20b. That sounds about right.
It was initially rumored that the DOJ might have requested Google to sell Android as well, considering how it also provides a very large advantage to Google's search business. However, quite thankfully, reports state that the antitrust officials have moved away from considering that. The last thing we want to see is Android in the hands of a relative upstart and Google agrees.
