Google Rejects Proposal To Sell Chrome Browser, Suggests Licensing Restrictions Instead

Google Rejects Proposal To Sell Chrome Browser, Suggests Licensing Restrictions Instead

On Friday, Google responded to the U.S. government’s call to sell its Chrome browser by proposing an alternative solution to address antitrust concerns…READ MORE…

The company suggested that a judge should prevent it from requiring preferential treatment for its software as a condition for licensing popular applications like Chrome, Play, or Gemini.

This counterproposal comes after the U.S. government sought a court order in November to compel Google to divest its widely used Chrome browser as part of a significant antitrust initiative. The U.S. Department of Justice has called for structural changes in Google’s business practices, which include preventing the company from securing exclusive deals to be the default search engine on smartphones and curbing its use of the Android operating system to gain an unfair advantage.

The next phase of this groundbreaking antitrust trial will focus on determining the appropriate measures to correct Google’s market practices, following a ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Amit Mehta that declared the company a monopoly in August.

In its proposal, Google has requested that Judge Mehta prohibit it from leveraging the attractiveness of its applications to pressure mobile device manufacturers into pre-installing its search software or designating it as the default option. According to a court filing, “Nothing in this Final Judgment shall otherwise prohibit Google from providing consideration to a mobile device manufacturer or wireless carrier for the distribution, placement on any access point, promotion, or licensing of any Google product or service.”

The U.S. government’s push for the breakup of Google represents a significant shift in regulatory attitudes, marking a departure from the previous hands-off approach towards tech giants since the failed breakup of Microsoft two decades ago.

Regardless of Judge Mehta’s final ruling, Google is anticipated to appeal, potentially extending the legal battle for years and may ultimately lead to a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court.

The trajectory of the case could also change with the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump in January, who may appoint a new team to lead the Justice Department’s antitrust division. The new administration could decide to continue with the existing case, negotiate a settlement with Google, or dismiss the matter entirely.

The trial, which wrapped up last year, examined Google’s confidential agreements with smartphone manufacturers, including Apple, and involved substantial payments to ensure Google’s search engine was the default choice on various devices and browsers.

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