In a bold move against Google, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) has called for a breakup of the tech giant, urging a federal judge on Wednesday, November 20, to order the sale of its popular Chrome browser.
The DOJ also seeks to end Google’s exclusive agreements to be the default search engine on smartphones and proposed new measures to prevent the company from using its Android operating system to dominate the market.
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The DOJ’s aggressive proposals include forcing Google to divest Android entirely if the other remedies fail.
This marks one of the most forceful actions in years against a major tech company, with regulators accusing Google of using its market power unfairly to stifle competition.
Kent Walker, Google’s president of global affairs, sharply criticized the DOJ’s request, calling it a “radical interventionist agenda.”
He argued that breaking up Google would disrupt its product ecosystem, harm innovation, especially in artificial intelligence, and undermine the United States’ global technological leadership.
This case signals a dramatic shift in the government’s approach to regulating big tech companies.
For years, the US government took a hands-off stance on tech giants, but this case could echo the failed attempt to break up Microsoft in the early 2000s.
Google, which was declared a monopoly in August, is expected to file a response next month. A hearing is scheduled for April before Judge Amit Mehta, who will review the case.
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The outcome could take years to resolve, especially if it reaches the US Supreme Court, and political changes could play a significant role.
President-elect Donald Trump’s administration might adopt a different stance on antitrust issues, as he has previously criticized Google for alleged bias but has expressed reservations about breaking up tech companies.
The DOJ’s action is part of a broader effort to regulate the tech industry, with antitrust cases pending against Amazon, Meta, Apple, and Google, signaling an ongoing shift in US tech policy.