Google could be asked to ditch Chrome as regulators up the ante on antitrust
Not feeling lucky… The Justice Department is reportedly going to ask Google to sell off its Chrome browser. After a judge ruled this summer that Google has an illegal search-engine monopoly, the DOJ has been whipping up suggestions for how the tech juggernaut could pare down its industry dominance. The most extreme options said to be on the table: Google sheds Chrome or its Android OS. Another remedy could be ending its exclusive multibillion-dollar deal with Apple that makes Google the default search engine in Safari. Google could also let rivals tap its search results and data.
Countdown: The DOJ’s plan for Google’s makeover is set to be decided in April and finalized by August.
No place like Chrome… Chrome is the world’s most popular browser and commands ~60% of the US market. It’s also a huge boost to Google’s search biz, which makes up the biggest chunk of its ad revenue. Google’s the default search engine on Chrome (natch), and when users are logged into Google accounts in Chrome, their web activity can be tracked to target them with search ads. Google’s also the default engine on Safari, and pays a hefty price for the privilege: the search giant is said to fork over 36% of its Safari ad revenue to Apple ($20B in 2022). Back-of-the-napkin math: Google could be making $50B+/year through the partnership, and Apple also stands to lose billions if it gets nixed.
A lot can change before a major change… FTC Chair Lina Khan, who led recent crackdowns on Big Tech, is expected to be replaced when Trump takes office. A shakeup at the DOJ is also in the cards. Before the changing of the guard, regulators are said to be upping the pressure. Pushing Google to sell Chrome may be a negotiating tactic.