Push for Google to sell Chrome browser to break search monopoly

US Justice Dept's proposals could reshape online search market, burgeoning AI sector

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Top US Justice Department antitrust officials have decided to ask a judge to force Alphabet's Google to sell off its Chrome browser in what would be a historic crackdown on one of the biggest technology companies in the world.

The department will ask the judge, who ruled in August that Google illegally monopolized the search market, to require measures related to artificial intelligence (AI) and its Android smartphone operating system, according to people familiar with the plans.

Antitrust officials, along with states that have joined the case, also plan to recommend on Nov. 20 that federal judge Amit Mehta impose data licensing requirements, said the sources, who asked not to be named discussing a confidential matter.

If Judge Mehta accepts the proposals, they have the potential to reshape the online search market and the burgeoning AI industry.

The case was filed under the first Trump administration and continued under President Joe Biden. It marks the most aggressive effort to rein in a technology company since Washington unsuccessfully sought to break up Microsoft Corp two decades ago.

Owning the world's most popular web browser is key to Google's advertisement business. The company is able to see the activities of signed-in users, and use that data to more effectively target promotions, which generate the bulk of its revenue.

Google has also been using Chrome to direct users to its flagship AI product, Gemini, which has the potential to evolve from an answer-bot to an assistant that follows users around the web.