DOJ Still Wants Google To Sell Chrome, But Can Keep AI
Mar 08, 2025 - mediapost.com
Google is facing legal challenges from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and 38 state attorneys general, who are pushing for the breakup of the company due to its alleged monopoly in online search. While the DOJ has dropped its demand for Google to sell its investments in AI companies like OpenAI and Anthropic, it still seeks a court order for Google to divest its Chrome browser and implement other measures concerning mobile device manufacturers. Google disagrees with the DOJ's proposals, arguing they would harm consumers, the economy, and national security, and plans to appeal the decision.
Judge Amit P. Mehta previously ruled that Google maintained an illegal monopoly, and the DOJ's recent filing emphasizes the company's overwhelming influence in the market. Google, which holds a significant stake in Anthropic, believes losing this investment would disadvantage it against competitors like OpenAI. The DOJ now requires Google to notify officials before making AI investments. Both parties are set to present their arguments in court, with Google maintaining that minimal changes are needed to address the judge's concerns.
Key takeaways:
The DOJ demands Google to break up but drops the proposal to sell AI investments like OpenAI and Anthropic.
Google disagrees with the DOJ's demands and plans to appeal the decision.
The DOJ and state attorneys general want Google to sell its Chrome browser and impose other measures on mobile device manufacturers.
Google must notify officials before proceeding with AI investments, as per the altered DOJ request.
