DOJ Pushes Google to Sell Chrome While Softening AI Investment Restrictions
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The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is doubling down on its call for Google to divest its Chrome web browser, according to a court filing on Friday.
The DOJ initially proposed that Google sell Chrome in 2024, under then-President Joe Biden. Now, under the Trump administration, the department remains firm on that stance. However, it has eased restrictions on Google’s AI investments, allowing the tech giant to continue investing billions in companies like Anthropic.
DOJ: Google’s Monopoly “Wreaks Havoc” on the Market
In the filing, acting DOJ Antitrust Chief Omeed Assefi stated:
“Google’s illegal conduct has created an economic goliath, one that wreaks havoc over the marketplace to ensure that—no matter what occurs—Google always wins.”
Because of this, the DOJ maintains key components of its original proposal, including:
✅ Forcing Google to divest Chrome
✅ Banning search-related payments to distribution partners
DOJ Softens Stance on AI and Android(AI Investments)
The DOJ dropped its initial demand for Google to sell off all AI investments, opting instead for a prior notification system for future investments.
Additionally, while Google was previously given the option to divest Android, the DOJ now says the final decision will depend on market conditions and will be left up to the courts.
Google Faces Antitrust Battle(AI Investments)
The proposal follows DOJ antitrust lawsuits alongside 38 state attorneys general, which led Judge Amit P. Mehta to rule that Google illegally maintained a search monopoly. Google plans to appeal the decision and has submitted an alternative proposal, claiming it offers more flexibility for distribution partners.
What’s Next for Google?
As the DOJ intensifies its antitrust crackdown, Google faces mounting legal challenges that could reshape its dominance in search, AI, and mobile.
Stay tuned for updates on Google’s battle against antitrust regulations and its future in the AI and tech landscape.
