Tech

Newztalkies: Justice Department Pushes Google to Sell Chrome

The U.S. Justice Department is ramping up pressure on Google in a historic antitrust case, calling for the tech giant to sell its popular Chrome browser. This bold move could reshape the competitive landscape of online search and digital advertising.

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Justice Department’s Demands

The government’s proposals, outlined in a filing late Wednesday, extend beyond Chrome. Key demands include:

Sale of Chrome Browser: The Justice Department argues this would sever Chrome’s link to Goo gle’s search engine, promoting competition in the online search market.
End of Default Search Payments: Google would be prohibited from paying companies like Apple to set its search engine as the default on devices.
AI Data Training Restrictions: Websites could opt out of allowing their data to train Google’s artificial intelligence models.
Divestment from Android: The Justice Department suggests either a complete sell-off of Android or stringent court supervision over its operations.

Why This Matters

Google holds around 90% of the search market and dominates the browser space with Chrome. Its business model relies heavily on data collected from these platforms to fuel its advertising profits. According to the Justice Department, splitting up these operations is essential to creating a level playing field in digital markets.

The Government’s Stance

“The playing field is not level because of Google’s conduct,” the Justice Department argued, claiming that Google’s practices have stifled competition and unfairly boosted its market dominance.

Google’s Response

Google dismissed the proposals as extreme and harmful, stating:

“DOJ’s approach would result in unprecedented government overreach that would harm American consumers, developers, and small businesses.”

The company also expressed concerns about potential risks to user privacy and security, as well as the broader implications for U.S. technological leadership.

A Historic Case in Tech Regulation

This case is seen as a landmark in the U.S. government’s ongoing battle to regulate big tech. The August ruling found Google guilty of maintaining an illegal monopoly through exclusive agreements with device manufacturers. If the court approves these remedies, it would be the first major corporate breakup since AT&T in 1982.

What’s Next?

Federal Judge Amit Mehta, who ruled against Google in August, is now tasked with deciding whether selling Chrome is the best remedy. A two-week hearing is scheduled for April 2024, with a final decision expected in 2025.

Stay tuned to live Newztalkies.com for updates on this pivotal case and its implications for the tech industry. The live Newztalkies.com team remains committed to delivering accurate and timely coverage of tech and innovation news.