Google’s days of unchecked dominance might be numbered. The Department of Justice, now under a new administration, is sharpening its knives to break up the tech giant’s monopoly. The first target? Chrome.
The government’s latest legal filing makes it clear: Google’s market control isn’t just big—it’s a wrecking ball. The DOJ argues that Google has rigged the game so thoroughly that no competitor stands a chance. Their solution? Force Google to sell off Chrome, stripping away one of its most powerful tools.
If the DOJ gets its way, Google would have to fully divest from Chrome, handing over its massive 3.4 billion-user base to a new owner. And they’re not leaving it to chance. Any potential buyer will be heavily vetted to avoid national security risks. Meanwhile, Google wouldn’t be able to develop a new browser during the ruling period, though it could still contribute to the open-source Chromium project.
That’s not the only shake-up in store. The DOJ originally considered forcing Google to sell off its AI investments. That idea is now off the table—for now. However, the fate of Android is still in play, and the new administration might take an even harder stance once its top officials are officially in place.
Omeed Assefi, currently leading the DOJ’s Antitrust Division, is setting the stage for Trump nominee Gail Slater. Slater has already made it clear she’s no fan of Big Tech’s grip on the market. If confirmed, she might push for even harsher penalties on Google.
Naturally, Google isn’t taking this lying down. The company has blasted the DOJ’s proposals, claiming they would hurt consumers. It’s the same argument monopolies always make—tear us apart, and the world will collapse.
But the government isn’t buying it. They see Chrome as a tool of control, not consumer benefit. And with a major antitrust ruling already against Google’s search business, this could be just the beginning.
Five Fast Facts
- Google Chrome controls over 60% of the global browser market.
- The Chromium project, which powers Chrome, also underpins Microsoft Edge and Brave.
- Android runs on more than 70% of the world’s smartphones.
- Gail Slater previously worked as an adviser on technology policy in the Trump administration.
- The last major antitrust breakup of a tech giant was AT&T in 1984.
