Winning Bizness Desk

Mumbai. Google may soon face pressure from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to sell its Chrome browser. Reports suggest the move aims to curb Google's monopoly in the internet search market. The DOJ is expected to seek court intervention, and a ruling could lead to significant changes in Google's operations. The U.S. government has accused Google of unfairly monopolizing the search and advertising markets. In August, a U.S. court found Google guilty of violating antitrust laws. The court concluded that the company leveraged its dominant position to suppress competition and maintain its market control.

Chrome’s Dominance in the Browser Market

Google Chrome is currently the most popular internet browser worldwide, accounting for 65% of all internet searches. Apple’s Safari ranks second with a 21% market share, while browsers like Firefox hold smaller portions. The widespread adoption of Chrome is closely tied to Google’s Android operating system, which dominates the smartphone market. Most Android devices come with Chrome pre-installed as the default browser, giving it an edge over competitors. Google’s search algorithm is also central to its dominance. The company uses it to deliver targeted advertisements to users, a practice that has drawn criticism for exploiting its monopoly in both search and advertising markets.

Impact on Google and Its Parent Company

Alphabet, Google’s parent company, saw its stock drop by 0.74% on Wednesday, reflecting investor concerns about potential regulatory action. Despite this dip, Alphabet remains one of the world’s largest companies, with a market capitalization of $2.16 trillion (₹182.40 lakh crore). If the DOJ enforces the sale of Chrome, it could significantly impact Google’s ability to maintain its dominance. Chrome’s integration with other Google services, such as Android and AI tools like Gemini, forms a critical part of its ecosystem.

Why the U.S. Government Wants Change

The DOJ aims to reduce Google’s control over the market to foster competition and protect consumers. By separating Chrome from Google’s broader operations, regulators hope to level the playing field for other browsers and search engines.

What Lies Ahead

The court is expected to deliver a ruling on the case soon. If the decision goes against Google, the tech giant may have to rethink its strategy and adjust its business model to comply with antitrust regulations. As the case unfolds, it could set a precedent for how governments globally address concerns over tech monopolies, potentially reshaping the digital marketplace.