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

The DOJ demands Google divest Chrome but allows AI investments while appealing Judge Mehta’s antitrust ruling.

: The US Department of Justice continues to insist Google divest its web browser Chrome in its latest proposal. Despite allowing AI investments, it seeks divestment of Chrome in response to antitrust suits led by Judge Amit P. Mehta. Google expressed concerns over the DOJ's proposal, citing potential harm to consumers and national security. Both Google and the DOJ will present their arguments in April, as Google's alleged monopoly in online search stands challenged.

In a recent development, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) is pressing forward with a call for Google to divest its web browser, Chrome, according to a court filing released on a Friday. This action stems from the DOJ's belief that Google's practices have given rise to an 'economic goliath,' creating an unbalanced market. Omeed Assefi, the acting attorney general for antitrust, signed the filing, highlighting that the underlying proposal's 'core components' remain unchanged under the Trump administration. Despite allowing Google to retain its AI investments, the DOJ is mainly focused on mitigating Google's reach in web browsing and search.

Originally, the proposal to divest Chrome was put forth last year under President Joe Biden's tenure. However, the DOJ now under Trump, continues with the plan while making no further call for Google to withdraw from artificial intelligence investments, such as its substantial commitments to firms like Anthropic. By choosing not to enforce the 'mandatory divestiture' of AI investments, the DOJ sets terms requiring Google to notify them of future investments in AI. Furthermore, any decisions regarding Android's divestiture will be left to future court rulings based on market conditions.

This proposal comes on the back of antitrust lawsuits initiated by the DOJ and supported by 38 state attorneys general, resulting in a ruling by Judge Amit P. Mehta. The judge found that Google's conduct effectively maintained a monopoly in the online search sector. In response to Judge Mehta’s ruling, Google announced its intent to appeal while offering an alternative proposal it claims would address the court's concerns. This alternative is designed to afford partners greater flexibility without resorting to the divestiture options advocated by the DOJ.

Google responded to the DOJ's statements through a spokesperson in a message to Reuters. The search and technology giant criticized the DOJ’s extensive and far-reaching proposals, implying they exceeded the court’s decision scope and would negatively impact American consumers, its economy, and national security. Still, the DOJ, maintaining its stance, prohibits search-related payments to partners of distribution, seeking not only legal compliance but broader competitive fairness in the technology market.

Looking forward, legal proceedings are set to continue, with Judge Mehta scheduled to hear arguments from Google and the DOJ this coming April. This ongoing case will determine the future landscape of digital competition and set a precedent for how entities may need to comply with antitrust measures, especially as technology conglomerates continue to expand their reach globally.

Sources: Reuters, US Department of Justice, Google, Amit P. Mehta

Technology