Google Should Be Forced To Divest Chrome Browser, DOJ Says

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has proposed that Alphabet's Google divest its Chrome browser following a court ruling that deemed the company to hold an illegal monopoly in the search market [1][2]. Group 1: DOJ's Position - The DOJ's amended filing suggests that Google's ownership of Chrome and Android creates significant challenges in addressing anticompetitive conduct in the search market [3]. - The DOJ argues that divesting Chrome is necessary to eliminate practices that disadvantage Google's rivals and to ensure a competitive market [4]. - The DOJ has also indicated that if Google does not comply with suggested remedies, it may need to divest Android as well [6]. Group 2: Google's Response - Google plans to file its own proposals next month, with a broader case expected to be presented next year [5]. - Google Chief Legal Officer Kent Walker criticized the DOJ's proposal, claiming it would harm consumers and undermine the U.S.'s technological leadership [5]. Group 3: Market Impact - Chrome controls approximately two-thirds of the search market, making its loss potentially damaging for Google, as it relies on user data from the browser for targeted advertising, its primary revenue source [6]. - Following the DOJ's announcement, Alphabet shares experienced a 6% drop in intraday trading, despite being up 26% for the year prior to this event [7].