DOJ seeks Google's Chrome divestiture to resolve antitrust case

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has reaffirmed its push for Google to divest its Chrome browser as part of a final remedy proposal in an antitrust case against the tech giant. The DOJ's latest filing, which maintains key elements from a previous proposal, seeks to prevent Google from making search-related payments that stifle competition and requires prior notification for new partnerships with rivals. While the government has dropped its demand for Google to divest its investments in artificial intelligence, it still emphasizes the need for structural changes to foster a more competitive market. This decision highlights ongoing concerns about Google's dominance in online search and the impact on consumer choice. A ruling on the proposal is expected following a court hearing in April, with final decisions anticipated by September 2025. Google's previous defenses against the antitrust claims have been met with skepticism by the DOJ, emphasizing the need for significant reform.