Google Chrome Amputation? Feds Want to Slice Off Google’s Crown Jewel to Tame Search Power

Google has asked a federal judge to reject a U.S. government proposal that would force it to divest its Chrome browser, arguing it would do little to help competition in online search.

The request came during closing arguments in an antitrust case where the Department of Justice accused Google of illegally maintaining its search monopoly.

Government lawyers claim Chrome, combined with AI advancements, will only deepen Google’s dominance, especially with exclusive deals tying its search engine to devices from Apple and Samsung.

Google insists no evidence shows consumers would flock to alternatives like Microsoft Bing without those deals, citing testimony from over 100 witnesses.

The Justice Department wants Google barred from such contracts and floated even more drastic measures, including splitting off Chrome or potentially Android.

Google argues such remedies are extreme, globally disruptive, and would degrade Chrome’s performance while failing to boost competitors.

The case comes amid rising pressure from AI-powered rivals like ChatGPT and Perplexity, which are gaining ground in internet search.

Judge Amit Mehta is now weighing whether to defang the tech giant or risk entrenching its dominance for another digital generation.