U.S. Justice Department to Seek Chrome Divestiture in Google Antitrust Case

The U.S. Department of Justice is reportedly preparing to ask a federal judge to compel Google to sell its Chrome web browser, marking a significant escalation in a landmark antitrust case. The move follows a ruling in August by U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta, which found that Google maintains an illegal monopoly in the search market. In addition to the sale of Chrome, prosecutors are expected to propose new requirements regarding Google’s data licensing and its integration of artificial intelligence into search results. Google has criticized the potential mandates as 'radical,' arguing that such an intervention would harm consumer privacy, innovation, and the broader tech ecosystem. Conversely, antitrust advocates argue that structural changes are necessary to level the playing field for smaller competitors. A final decision on the remedies is expected by mid-2025, though Google has already signaled its intent to appeal any adverse ruling.