The United States government is intensifying its scrutiny of Google's business practices, specifically targeting the tech giant's Chrome browser and other core services. The Department of Justice (DoJ) is advocating for Google to divest its Chrome browser, citing antitrust violations and the company's illegal monopoly over internet search services. This move is part of a broader effort to curb the overwhelming market power held by Big Tech companies.
The proposed measures include the separation of Google's search engine from its Android operating system and the Google Play Store. Additionally, the government is pushing for more stringent regulations on Google's data licensing and its billion-dollar agreements for pre-installed search engines, particularly with rival tech companies. These steps echo past antitrust actions, reminiscent of the landmark case against Microsoft in the 1990s.
In parallel, the European Union is also pushing for regulatory changes with its Digital Markets Act, aiming to limit the dominance of internet gatekeepers like Google. These initiatives reflect a significant shift in how governments worldwide are addressing the influence of major technology corporations.
Google, however, intends to challenge these proposals, labeling them as excessive and beyond legal boundaries. The company argues that such actions could ultimately harm consumers. Despite these objections, the ongoing antitrust case initiated under the Trump administration continues under President Biden.
The outcome of these legal battles could lead to a historic precedent in technology regulation, with potential implications for other large tech firms. A final decision regarding the implementation of these changes is expected by August 2025, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle between governmental regulation and corporate power in the tech industry.
