The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has delivered a major blow to Google, ordering the tech giant to divest its widely used Chrome browser. This move is part of a broader antitrust case aimed at dismantling Google’s dominance in the search and advertising industry. But with Chrome on the chopping block, industry insiders are left wondering: Could Android be next?
The latest filing signals a shift in the government’s approach, with a greater focus on breaking up Google’s control while keeping a watchful eye on its artificial intelligence (AI) and mobile operations. While the DOJ has backed off its earlier push to force Google to divest its AI investments, the battle over Android is far from over.
Google’s Monopoly Under Fire
The DOJ’s recent filing states:
“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.”
With this in mind, the government argues that allowing Google to maintain control over Chrome gives it an unfair advantage in shaping the web. The proposed remedy is drastic: Google must fully divest itself of Chrome, including any data and assets required for its operation. The 3.4 billion users who rely on Chrome for their daily browsing could soon find themselves under a new provider, as the government intends to vet potential buyers.
In addition to losing Chrome, Google would be barred from launching any new browsers. However, it could still contribute to the open-source Chromium project, ensuring that some of its technology lives on.
A Strategic Shift Under Trump’s DOJ
The case is now in the hands of Omeed Assefi, the acting head of the DOJ’s Antitrust Division, until Trump nominee Gail Slater receives Senate confirmation. Slater has previously voiced strong support for regulating Big Tech, leading some to believe that even more aggressive action could be on the horizon.
Unsurprisingly, Google has pushed back hard against the DOJ’s stance. A spokesperson for the company stated:
“DOJ’s sweeping proposals continue to go miles beyond the Court’s decision and would harm America’s consumers, economy, and national security.”
Despite this, Google’s counteroffer remains largely unchanged. The company has proposed adjustments to its search placement deals and agreed to additional regulatory oversight but remains unwilling to part with Chrome.
Android Under Scrutiny: A Warning for the Future?
While Google has dodged an immediate order to sell Android, the DOJ has introduced strict new conditions that could drastically change how the mobile platform operates. Under the proposed restrictions:
- Google cannot make its search or AI services mandatory on Android.
- The company must not pressure manufacturers into using Google Search or AI tools over competitors.
- Any attempt to sidestep these rules could lead to a forced Android divestment.
Previously, the DOJ had offered Google the option to sell Android as a way to settle the case, but that option has now been removed. However, if Google fails to comply with the imposed restrictions, the government has made it clear that forcing a sale of Android remains on the table. In such a scenario, regulators would oversee the sale to ensure the new owner doesn’t create similar monopolistic conditions.
The AI Battle: A Small Victory for Google
Artificial intelligence has become a central battleground in the tech industry, and Google has been investing billions into AI firms like Anthropic. Initially, the DOJ sought to limit Google’s AI investments, arguing that AI is becoming integral to web search. However, following meetings with Google representatives, the DOJ softened its stance.
Instead of demanding divestiture, the government now requires Google to notify regulators before making new AI investments. This marks a minor win for Google, as it avoids losing its foothold in the rapidly expanding AI industry.
What’s Next for Google?
As Google gears up for the next phase of this legal battle, all eyes are on the court’s final ruling. Given the high stakes, Google is expected to appeal any unfavorable decisions, just as it did in its Play Store trial against Epic Games last year.
If the court upholds the DOJ’s proposed remedies, Google’s control over Chrome will be history, and Android could be the next major asset on the chopping block. Even if Google avoids an immediate breakup, the imposed restrictions could significantly weaken its dominance in mobile and AI.
For now, the tech giant remains defiant, hoping that a successful appeal will overturn the ruling and render the government’s remedies meaningless. But with regulators taking an increasingly aggressive stance against Big Tech, this case may just be the beginning of a much larger crackdown on Silicon Valley’s most powerful players.
This case marks one of the most significant antitrust actions in recent history. If the DOJ succeeds in forcing Google to part with Chrome—and possibly Android—it could reshape the digital ecosystem as we know it. With AI and mobile platforms under close scrutiny, the battle over Google’s influence is far from over.
Will Google’s legal maneuvers save it from a forced breakup, or is this the beginning of the end for its tech empire? One thing is clear: The government isn’t backing down, and Google’s fight for survival has only just begun.