New DOJ proposal still calls for Google to divest Chrome, but allows for AI investments

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) is maintaining its stance that Google should sell its web browser, Chrome, as part of ongoing antitrust actions. This proposal, initially suggested under President Joe Biden and continued under the second Trump administration, aims to address Google's dominance in the marketplace. The DOJ is also advocating for a prohibition on search-related payments to distribution partners but has softened its stance on Google's artificial intelligence investments, now requiring only prior notification for future investments rather than mandatory divestiture. The decision on whether Google should divest Android will be left to the court, contingent on market competitiveness.

The DOJ's actions follow antitrust lawsuits filed by the department and 38 state attorneys general, with Judge Amit P. Mehta ruling that Google acted illegally to maintain a monopoly in online search. Google plans to appeal this decision and has proposed an alternative solution to address the court's concerns by offering partners more flexibility. A Google spokesperson criticized the DOJ's proposals as excessive and harmful to consumers, the economy, and national security. Arguments from both Google and the DOJ are scheduled to be heard by Judge Mehta in April.

Key takeaways

The US Department of Justice is calling for Google to sell its web browser Chrome as part of an antitrust proposal.
The DOJ is no longer demanding Google divest its AI investments but requires prior notification for future investments.
The DOJ's proposal includes a prohibition on search-related payments to distribution partners and leaves the decision on Android's divestiture to the court.
Google plans to appeal Judge Mehta's ruling that it acted illegally to maintain a monopoly in online search.

New DOJ proposal still calls for Google to divest Chrome, but allows for AI investments | TechCrunch

Key takeaways

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