A pivotal phase in the landmark antitrust trial against Google has begun, and with it comes a potential game-changing decision that could reshape the tech giant’s operations. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is urging U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta to order Google to divest its control over the Chrome browser and possibly even Android, in an effort to restore competition in the internet search market.
The Legal Battle Over Google’s Search Monopoly
The DOJ’s case against Google has been ongoing since 2020, starting under the Trump administration and continuing through two presidential elections. In August 2024, Judge Mehta ruled that Google had indeed established an illegal monopoly in the internet search and search advertising markets. This ruling followed a rigorous nine-week trial in 2023, which featured two full days of closing arguments.
The core of the case revolves around Google’s dominance in the search engine market, where its brand has essentially become synonymous with the act of searching the web. The DOJ argues that this monopoly is not only harmful to consumers but also stifles competition, making it harder for smaller search engines and tech companies to thrive.
The Breakup Proposal: Chrome and Android at Risk
As part of the remedy phase of the trial, the DOJ has suggested that the court mandate the divestiture of Google Chrome and potentially Android, which have become integral to the company’s control over the digital ecosystem. These platforms are closely tied to Google’s ability to maintain its dominant position in search, as Chrome, with its 64% global market share, plays a key role in funneling users to Google Search.
The DOJ also argues that Google’s billions of dollars spent on securing default search engine status—such as its deal with Apple for the Safari browser—are anticompetitive. In 2021, Google paid Apple approximately $26.3 billion to ensure that Google Search was the default on Safari, further consolidating its search monopoly.
The “Vicious Cycle” of Default Status Deals
David Dahlquist, an attorney for the DOJ, explained that these exclusive deals create a “vicious cycle” that prevents competition. By paying hefty sums to companies like Apple to ensure its search engine is the default option, Google locks in billions of users to its ecosystem, making it nearly impossible for smaller players to compete.
This has led to a situation where Google’s market share in search remains dominant, while other search engines struggle to gain traction. The DOJ’s proposed remedy seeks to dismantle this cycle by forcing Google to relinquish control over critical parts of its ecosystem, like Chrome and Android.
The Stakes for Google and the Tech Industry
If the court rules in favor of the DOJ’s proposal, it would be a seismic shift in the tech world, forcing Google to relinquish some of its most valuable assets. For Google, this would likely result in a dramatic reshaping of its business model, particularly in the areas of search and digital advertising. The company could also face increased competition from other tech giants, which might stand to gain market share in a more level playing field.
The case is particularly notable for its potential to affect the broader tech landscape, setting a precedent for how governments handle antitrust concerns in the digital age. A ruling in favor of the DOJ could lead to similar investigations into other tech giants, including Apple, Amazon, and Facebook, as regulators look to ensure that competition remains fair in the online space.
