Is Google facing a potential break up as the US considers forcing Chrome browser sale?

In a bold move against tech giant Alphabet Inc.’s Google, U.S. Justice Department antitrust officials are reportedly preparing to ask a federal judge to force the company to sell its Chrome browser. The proposal, as per reports, comes as part of a broader effort to address Google’s dominance in the search and advertising markets.

The Justice Department, alongside several states involved in the case, plans to make its recommendation to Judge Amit Mehta, who earlier ruled that Google unlawfully monopolized the search market. The officials are also expected to suggest measures concerning Google's artificial intelligence tools and its Android operating system.

Chrome, which commands a significant 61% share of the U.S. web browser market, plays a critical role in Google’s ad-driven revenue model. By tracking activity from signed-in users, Chrome enables targeted advertising and directs users to Gemini, Google’s flagship AI product. However, this integration has drawn criticism, particularly from publishers who claim that Google’s AI-generated “Overviews” reduce website traffic and advertising revenue by discouraging users from clicking through to original sources.

The antitrust case, originally filed during the Trump administration and continued under President Joe Biden, represents the most aggressive effort to challenge a major tech company since the attempt to break up Microsoft over two decades ago. While officials considered requiring Google to divest Android, they opted against this more drastic measure, focusing instead on Chrome and imposing potential data-sharing requirements to foster competition.

If approved, the recommendations could significantly reshape the online search and AI landscapes, marking a major shift in how tech monopolies are addressed. Google has pushed back against the proposals, with Lee-Anne Mulholland, the company’s vice president of regulatory affairs, stating, “The Justice Department continues to push a radical agenda that goes far beyond the legal issues in this case.” She warned that such measures could harm consumers, developers, and U.S. technological leadership.

The outcome of the case could set a precedent for regulating tech giants in an era of rapid innovation and increasing scrutiny of their market power.