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DOJ Pushes For Google To Divest Chrome In Latest Antitrust Salvo

In a seismic shift for the tech industry, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is gearing up to request a federal court to compel Google to sell off its Chrome web browser. This dramatic move, reported by Bloomberg, marks a critical escalation in the ongoing antitrust battle against the search giant.

Chrome Divestiture: A Game-Changing Proposal

The DOJ’s recommendation to Federal Judge Amit Mehta, who previously ruled on Google’s search monopoly, aims to force the sale of Chrome – a cornerstone of Google’s multi-billion dollar advertising empire. This proposal comes after a summer 2024 ruling that found Google guilty of illegally maintaining a monopoly in the search market.

Beyond Browser Sales: Additional Measures on the Table

Justice Department officials are not stopping at Chrome’s sale. They’re also pushing for Google to license Chrome’s data and results while giving websites enhanced control over their content’s use in Google’s AI products. These measures are designed to create a more competitive digital landscape.

Chrome’s Dominance by the Numbers

Chrome’s market supremacy is stark: it commands a whopping 66.7% of the browser market share, dwarfing competitors like Safari (18%), Edge (5%), and Firefox (3%). This dominance underscores the browser’s critical role in Google’s ecosystem.

The Financial Stakes

The potential sale of Chrome could significantly impact Google’s bottom line. Last quarter alone, Google’s core advertising business, deeply intertwined with Chrome, generated $65.9 billion – a substantial portion of the company’s $88.3 billion total revenue.

A Long Road Ahead

This latest development is part of a broader antitrust saga. Judge Mehta’s August ruling found Google guilty of anti-competitive practices through exclusive distribution agreements and inflated ad pricing. As Google prepares to appeal, the court is set to consider the DOJ’s proposed changes in April 2025, with a final decision expected by August 2025.

As this legal battle unfolds, the tech world watches with bated breath, potentially reshaping the digital landscape and setting new precedents for tech industry regulation.

TikTok Returns To US App Stores 

TikTok is once again available for download in the Apple and Google app stores in the US, following a delay in the enforcement of its ban by former President Donald Trump. The ban’s postponement until April 5 gives the administration additional time to evaluate the situation.

Key Developments

The decision to restore TikTok access came after Google and Apple received reassurances from the Trump administration that they would not face legal consequences for reinstating the Chinese-owned app. According to Bloomberg, US Attorney General Pam Bondi sent a letter outlining these guarantees.

In an executive order signed on January 20, Trump instructed the attorney general not to take enforcement action for 75 days, providing time for his administration to determine how to proceed.

Uncertain Future For TikTok In The US

While TikTok is back on the US app stores, its long-term survival remains uncertain. If no deal is reached by early April to address national security concerns, the app may face another shutdown. ByteDance, the parent company, has insisted that TikTok is not for sale.

Legislation And Pressure On ByteDance

The Protecting Americans from Foreign Enemy-Controlled Apps Act, which passed with bipartisan support in Congress, mandates a nationwide ban on TikTok unless ByteDance sells its US operations. This law was signed by President Joe Biden in April of last year.

In late January, the app was briefly removed from US stores following the ban’s activation, impacting over 170 million American users. However, TikTok was restored soon after, following Trump’s intervention in his first hours as president. During that time, he signed an executive order allowing 75 days for a deal that would safeguard national security. Trump also suggested that the US could take a 50% stake in TikTok, a move he believed would keep the app “in good hands.”

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