The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has formalised its demand that Google sell its Chrome web browser, arguing that the tech giant has maintained an abusive monopoly in the online search market. This move marks a milestone in the fight against monopolistic practices in the tech industry and could significantly transform the global digital landscape.
The root of the problem lies in Google's dominance over Internet access, with Chrome as one of the main gateways to its search engine and other services. According to the DOJ, this situation eliminates competition by favoring the company's products, harming both users and competitors trying to gain a foothold in the market.
Potential impact of Chrome sale
Chrome, recognized as one of the most used browsers worldwide, represents a mainstay in the Google ecosystem. With more than 60% With a market share in the United States and billions of global users, its sales could reach an estimated value of up to 20.000 millionThis fact underscores the importance of Chrome not only as a browser, but as an essential tool for driving traffic to other Google products and services.
The proposed sale, one of the most forceful measures in the antitrust trial, seeks level the playing field for other search engines such as Bing or DuckDuckGo. In addition, the DOJ raises restricciones to ban multi-million dollar deals like the one it has with Apple to be the default search engine on iPhone devices.
However, this decision poses a number of risks, according to Google. The company warns that the fragmentation of its ecosystem could compromise the security and privacy of users, as well as hinder the development of new technologies, including artificial intelligence.
Android, also in the spotlight
The impact of this trial is not limited to Chrome alone. The Android mobile operating system, used by the majority of smartphones globally, is also under scrutiny. Although the sale of Android has not been formally mandated, the DOJ has signaled that it could become a possibility if the company does not implement substantial changes in their practices.
A potential sale of Android could significantly alter the mobile device market. Manufacturers, who rely heavily on this operating system, could be forced to look for alternatives, such as developing their own systems or adopting others already available, such as HarmonyOS For app developers, any disruption to Android could transform the development ecosystem and reduce the supply of available apps.
Google's response and controversies
In an official statement, Kent Walker, Google's chief legal officer, called the DOJ's proposals "a radical interventionist agenda". According to Walker, separating Chrome from Google would not only put key projects at risk but would also affect companies like Mozilla, whose Firefox browser relies on revenue generated through deals with Google.
The company also stressed that the move could negatively impact US leadership in the technology field, particularly in the development of artificial intelligence. Google has said it will submit an alternative proposal next month to address the DOJ's concerns, seeking to safeguard both its business model and the expectations of users and developers.
A global shift in the digital market
The case against Google has parallels to earlier situations, such as the antitrust trial against Microsoft more than two decades ago. At that time, although the company was initially proposed to be broken up, the appeals court opted to less drastic measures, allowing Microsoft to maintain the integrity of its business.
In Europe, Google has already faced significant penalties, including a fine of 4.340 millones de euros in 2020 for similar practices. These measures forced the company to implement a selection screen on Android devices so that users could choose alternative search engines.
The sale of Chrome and the restrictions on Android, if implemented, could mark a turning point in global technology regulation. Proponents of this measure argue that it is necessary to restore competition, while critics fear it represents regulatory overreach that could hamper innovation.
The Google case reflects tensions in a digital world increasingly dominated by a small group of tech giants. The outcome of this trial will not only define Google's future, but also set a precedent for how regulators around the world deal with the power of big tech companies.