DOJ Wants Google to Divest Chrome Browser

The US Department of Justice is proposing that Google divest its Chrome browser and related assets as part of a landmark antitrust case settlement. The proposal also demands Google stop paying partners for preferential search engine treatment and provide prior notification of future AI investments. Google argues its success stems from superior technology and that consumers can easily switch default search engines. A 2023 trial resulted in a judge ruling that Google maintains an illegal monopoly, primarily due to contracts with device makers and browser partners making Google the default search engine and sharing substantial revenue, thereby stifling competition.