U.S. Government Takes Aim at Google’s Dominance
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is holding firm on its demand that Google sell off its Chrome browser, doubling down on its stance in a recent court filing. This move is part of a broader antitrust battle against the tech giant, which has faced legal scrutiny over its market control.
While the DOJ had previously suggested that Google should also divest its artificial intelligence (AI) investments, the latest filing indicates a shift. Instead of forcing the company to offload its AI ventures—such as its stake in AI startup Anthropic—the DOJ now says it will be satisfied with receiving advance notice of Google’s future AI investments.
Antitrust Battle Heats Up Under Trump’s Second Term
The DOJ first proposed these measures during President Joe Biden’s administration, and they remain a priority under President Donald Trump’s second term. The government maintains that Google’s business tactics have created a tech monopoly that crushes competition.
“Google’s illegal conduct has built an economic giant that manipulates the market to ensure its own success, no matter what happens,” the DOJ stated in its filing. Acting Antitrust Attorney General Omeed Assefi signed the document, while Trump’s nominee for the permanent role is still awaiting confirmation.
Despite the DOJ’s ongoing push, it is easing up on certain aspects. The department no longer insists on a mandatory AI divestiture and has also decided to postpone any ruling on Google’s Android business, leaving that decision to the courts if market conditions warrant action in the future.
Google Fires Back, Calls DOJ’s Plan ‘Overreaching’
Google has strongly opposed the DOJ’s proposals, arguing that they go far beyond the recent court ruling against the company. The tech giant insists that these measures would negatively impact consumers, the economy, and even national security.
The legal battle stems from lawsuits filed by the DOJ and 38 state attorneys general, culminating in Judge Amit P. Mehta ruling that Google illegally maintained a monopoly in online search. Google, however, has vowed to appeal the decision and has proposed its own alternative measures that it claims would address competition concerns.
What’s Next?
Both Google and the DOJ will present their arguments in court this April. As the case unfolds, the outcome could reshape Google’s business and set new precedents for how the government regulates Big Tech.
With antitrust scrutiny intensifying and AI investments under the microscope, Google finds itself at a crossroads. Whether it will be forced to give up Chrome—and how it navigates the evolving regulatory landscape—remains to be seen.
