The US Justice Department has filed a lawsuit demanding Google sell its Chrome browser and share data with competitors to limit its monopoly on the search engine market, Reuters reported on Thursday.
Google now controls about 90 percent. Internet search engine market and 95 percent on mobile devices – Reuters reported.
In Wednesday's filing, prosecutors also demanded the sale of the Android operating system. In addition, they demand exclusive contracts in which Google pays device manufacturers such as Apple and Samsung to make Chrome the default search engine on their devices. The proposed changes would be implemented within 10 years and would be enforced by a court-appointed commission.
Google now controls about 90 percent. the Internet search engine market and 95 percent on mobile devices Shutterstock
Google doesn't want to get rid of Chrome
According to Google representatives, the proposed measures are radical.
“The Justice Department's approach will result in unprecedented government overreach that will harm American consumers, developers, and small businesses,” said Kent Walker, chief legal officer of Alphabet (the holding company that includes Google – editor's note). In his opinion, this action will “threaten America's global economic and technological leadership at a time when it is most needed.”
District Court Amit P. Mehta scheduled the next hearing in April 2025. As reported by Reuters, after the inauguration of Donald Trump in January and changes in the Department of Justice, the case against Google may change its course.
According to some legal experts, the court will likely require Google to revoke exclusivity agreements that make it easier for smartphone and tablet users to access other search engines.
Chrome could be worth $15 billion to $20 billion
Launched by Google in 2008, Chrome is the world's largest free search engine that collects user data to create targeted ads. According to data from the US network CNBC, in the third quarter of 2024, search engine advertising generated $49.4 billion in revenue for Alphabet. This is 75 percent. total online ad sales during this period.
Bloomberg estimates that Chrome could be worth at least $15-20 billion if it has more than 3 billion monthly users.
Main image source: Shutterstock
