Google has criticized the US Justice Department’s plan to force the tech giant to sell its Chrome browser, calling the move an “extreme” one that violates current law. The internet giant also urged a federal judge to be cautious in his decision, warning that it could have a chilling effect on future innovation. Google’s filing came as part of its response to the Justice Department’s demands for action in a case involving alleged antitrust violations in the search industry.
Google’s Opposition to the Proposed Remedy
In a court filing made late this week, Google responded to the Justice Department’s request, presenting its own proposals to resolve the situation. The company argued that forcing it to sell Chrome is a disproportionate response to its actions, which the court previously deemed illegal. These actions include entering into exclusive contracts with browser developers, smartphone manufacturers, and telecom operators. As a result, Google’s search engine was set as the default option in third-party apps and devices. Google’s statement emphasized that remedies for anticompetitive behavior should be proportional to the nature of the violations, and that selling Chrome would be an extreme remedy.
The Justice Department, together with several state attorneys general, had asked Judge Amit Mehta to order Google to sell its Chrome browser and implement other changes to break its monopoly on the search market. The aim is to foster competition in the sector, which the government claims has been stifled by Google’s dominance. Judge Mehta had earlier ruled that Google’s practice of securing default search engine status through contracts with software and device developers was illegal.
Legal Proceedings and Google’s Plans for Appeal
This court filing represents Google’s first formal response since Judge Mehta sided with the prosecution earlier this year. The ruling confirmed that Google had illegally monopolized the online search and advertising markets, adds NIX Solutions. Although the company disagrees with the ruling, it announced its intention to appeal. However, Google will only be able to pursue the appeal after the trial concludes and a final ruling is issued. The trial is set to resume in April next year, with a final decision expected by August 2025. In the meantime, the company assures stakeholders that it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates. We’ll keep you updated as more integrations become available.