In a bold move that could shake the very foundation of Google’s internet dominance, the U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) has called for the forced sale of Google’s Chrome browser. This action is part of a broader effort to dismantle the company’s illegal monopoly over search services, a monopoly that has allowed Google to control a significant chunk of online activity. The move could have far-reaching consequences, not just for Google, but for the entire tech industry.
The DOJ made its case Monday, presenting arguments before Judge Amit Mehta, who previously ruled that Google had, in fact, unlawfully cornered the market for online search. The three-week-long hearings now focus on potential remedies for this antitrust violation. Among the most contentious proposals is the forced sale of Chrome, a browser that commands a global market share of 64%, according to Similarweb.
Why the DOJ Wants Chrome Sold
The DOJ’s proposal is not merely about reducing Google’s control over the search engine market but also about breaking the company’s stranglehold on data collection. By owning Chrome, Google is able to steer users toward its search engine and gather first-party data, which feeds into its ad-serving model. This data is invaluable, giving Google unparalleled insights into user behavior. The argument is that this concentrated power stifles competition, especially when combined with Google’s default search deals, where the company pays billions to browser and device makers to ensure its search engine is the first choice.
David Dahlquist, a DOJ lawyer, explained in court that forcing the sale of Chrome would be an essential step in restoring competition to the internet ecosystem. He said, “This court has an opportunity to remedy a monopoly that has controlled the internet for today’s generation and restore competition for decades to come.”
However, this is not the only challenge facing Google. A separate ruling last week in another court found that Google’s ad serving technology also constituted a monopoly. This one-two punch has created a serious headache for the tech giant as it grapples with increasing regulatory pressure.
What Would the Forced Sale of Chrome Mean?
Chrome’s dominance in the browser market is undeniable. Google’s browser has steadily grown to hold a commanding position since it surpassed Microsoft’s Internet Explorer in 2013. By 2017, it had achieved a global majority share. The browser’s success is closely tied to its seamless integration with Google’s suite of free productivity apps, such as Google Docs and Google Drive. These apps, in turn, push users into the Google ecosystem, further cementing the company’s power.
For consumers, Chrome’s dominance is convenient—it’s fast, it’s free, and it works well with other Google services. For advertisers and marketers, however, Google’s control over Chrome and search defaults is a double-edged sword. The forced sale of Chrome would upend this model and force Google to reconsider how it delivers search results and gathers user data.
Google’s Global Reach: A Closer Look
The scale of Chrome’s reach cannot be overstated. Worldwide, Chrome holds a staggering 64% of the browser market, dwarfing competitors like Apple’s Safari (21%) and Mozilla’s Firefox (2%). Even in countries like Australia, where Safari enjoys a more prominent position, Chrome still commands a sizable 50% share.
In the context of mobile browsers, Google’s Chrome app for smartphones has an even greater dominance, with Android devices further boosting its influence. The DOJ’s proposed breakup of Google’s Chrome monopoly could open the door for rival browsers to gain ground, potentially bringing new competition into an otherwise monopolized space.
Here’s a breakdown of browser market shares according to Similarweb:
| Browser | Global Market Share | Australian Market Share |
|---|---|---|
| Google Chrome | 64% | 50% |
| Safari | 21% | 34% |
| Firefox | 2% | 3% |
What’s Next for Google?
The forced sale of Chrome could be a game-changer, but it’s unclear exactly how this will play out in the coming months. Google will likely fight back, as losing control of Chrome would mark a significant blow to its online strategy. The browser serves as the gateway to its search engine, and without it, the company might lose a substantial portion of its data and advertising revenues.
For now, the court will continue to hear arguments, and a final decision could come sooner than expected. If the sale does go ahead, Google will have to adjust to a new reality in which its browser monopoly is dismantled, possibly changing how consumers interact with the internet altogether.
In the broader tech world, this case could set a precedent for how regulators deal with monopolistic practices. With antitrust cases against other tech giants heating up, the outcome of this case could have implications for the future of the entire internet.
