The DOJ wants Google to Sell Chrome (and what this means for you)

In a bold move following the August ruling that declared Google an illegal monopoly, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has proposed dramatic remedies, including requiring Google to divest its Chrome browser and potentially even Android. The proposal, outlined in a 23-page document filed Wednesday, marks an aggressive stance in the ongoing antitrust battle against the tech giant.

The Core Issue

The case centers on Google's practice of paying billions to Apple and other browser developers to make Google the default search engine. This situation parallels Microsoft's 2001 Internet Explorer antitrust case, where similar anticompetitive behavior allegations led to threatened breakup actions.

DOJ's Key Demands

The DOJ's proposal includes several major requirements:

1. Chrome Divestiture: Google would need to sell off its Chrome browser
2. Potential Android Sale: If Google fails to follow restrictions on search favoritism within Android
3. Ban on Search Default Payments: Prohibition of compensating browser makers for default search engine status
4. Data Access Requirements: Google must share search results and ranking signals with competitors at marginal cost for at least a decade
5. AI Content Controls: Websites must be allowed to opt out of AI Overviews without search ranking penalties

The DOJ's Rationale

The Justice Department argues that selling Chrome would "permanently stop Google's control of this critical search access point" and create opportunities for rival search engines. This move, while seemingly indirect to the original complaint about search engine defaults, targets what the DOJ sees as a key gateway to internet access.

Google's Response

In a blog post, Kent Walker, Google's President of Global Affairs and Chief Legal Officer, strongly opposes the proposal, characterizing it as "wildly overboard." The company argues that the DOJ's demands would:

• Damage American technology leadership
• Compromise product security
• Introduce unnecessary user friction
• Potentially harm AI development
• Risk exposing sensitive user data
• Impact partnerships with companies like Mozilla

Timeline and Next Steps

• March 2024: Revised DOJ proposal expected
• April 2024: Court proceedings begin
• Google plans to file counter-proposals next month
• Appeals remain possible regardless of initial outcome

Potential Impact on Users

If implemented, the changes could lead to:

Positive Effects

• Increased user choice in search engines
• More transparent default settings
• Enhanced competition in the browser market

Possible Drawbacks

• Loss of integrated Google features in Chrome
• Potential security considerations under new ownership
• More setup prompts and configuration steps
• Reduced seamless integration between Google products

Political Context

The case's outcome may be influenced by the changing political landscape, with President-elect Trump's position on tech monopolies differing from the current administration's approach. While the original case was filed during Trump's first term, his previous statements suggest a preference for regulation over breakup.

Looking Ahead

The proposal's fate remains uncertain, with several months of legal proceedings ahead. Users of Chrome and Android should stay informed about developments, particularly as the court proceedings begin in April. Like Microsoft's antitrust case in 2001, which ended in a settlement rather than a breakup, the final outcome may differ significantly from the initial proposals.