The U.S. government is pushing for Google to divest its Chrome browser, a move that could significantly alter the tech giant's market dominance. This recommendation was presented by the Department of Justice to federal judge Amit Mehta, following a ruling against Google for anti-competitive practices in the online search market.
Chrome, launched in 2008, holds approximately 70% of the global search market, overshadowing competitors like Microsoft’s Edge and Apple’s Safari. Analysts suggest that forcing the sale of Chrome would be a drastic shift for Google, which relies on data from the browser to enhance its algorithms and services like Maps.
Valued at an estimated $15 billion, Chrome has over 3 billion users worldwide. However, potential buyers may be limited, as any company with the financial capability to acquire Chrome is likely already under antitrust scrutiny. Despite the challenges, experts believe Google could adapt, similar to how Apple navigated privacy changes in Safari.
While many users may continue to use Chrome regardless of ownership, the Department of Justice argues that people primarily use it because it is the default browser on their devices. However, analysts find this claim questionable, suggesting that user loyalty is tied to quality and innovation.
As the case unfolds, the unpredictable political landscape, particularly with the incoming administration of Donald Trump, adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Trump has previously expressed opposition to dismantling Google, indicating that such actions could harm U.S. interests internationally.