US Government Moves to Break Up Google

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has urged a federal judge to order Google to divest its Chrome browser as part of a significant antitrust crackdown following a ruling that established Google as a monopolist in the online search market. The proposed measures include prohibiting Google from striking deals that favor its search engine on mobile devices and potentially requiring the sale of Android if compliance with other remedies fails. The DOJ's filing also emphasizes sharing data with competitors, curbing Google's ability to suppress rivals, and creating a mechanism for publishers to opt-out of Google's search indexing. If enacted, these changes could reshape the competitive landscape of online search and advertising, with the court hearings set for April. Google is expected to respond with its own proposals next month and has previously dismissed the breakup as 'radical'. The outcome could hinge on the political climate, as the incoming administration may influence the DOJ's stance on the case.