The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is reportedly preparing to take legal action to compel Google to divest its widely used Chrome browser as part of an ongoing antitrust investigation. This unprecedented move aims to dismantle what officials deem a monopoly in the online search market.
Sources indicate that the DOJ will request Judge Amit Mehta to enforce the sale, following a ruling in August that found Google had illegally monopolized internet search services. This case, originating during the Trump administration, has continued to evolve under President Biden's leadership.
Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google's VP of regulatory affairs, criticized the DOJ's actions as a politically motivated attack that could harm consumers and stifle innovation in the tech sector. Currently, Chrome holds a dominant 61% market share in the U.S., making it a critical gateway to Google's search engine.
This potential legal action could have far-reaching implications for the tech industry, reshaping the landscape of online services and competition.