US Justice Department demands Google divest Chrome browser

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) is intensifying its demands for Google to divest its Chrome web browser, a key step in addressing the company's alleged monopoly in the search engine market. This push aligns with a prior court ruling that found Google's practices anticompetitive, with the DOJ stating that Google's dominance has harmed consumer choice. The DOJ's proposal requires Google to sell Chrome to a buyer approved by the court, while also maintaining restrictions on its ability to pay companies to make its search engine the default. Interestingly, the DOJ has opted not to pursue the divestiture of Google's Android operating system. The final decision on the divestiture is expected by September 2025, following a hearing set for April. Google plans to appeal the ruling, indicating ongoing legal battles ahead.