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The year 2024 marked a watershed in the regulation of tech giants, with a series of antitrust cases that shook the digital sector. Among them, the trial opposing Google to the American Department of Justice (DoJ) stands out in particular: the Mountain View firm could be forced to separate from Google Chrome, its flagship Internet browser.
What accusations have weighed against Google ?
We have to go back to 2020 to understand the ins and outs of this case. Then, under the aegis of the Trump administration, the Department of Justice, which manages antitrust supervision with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), filed a complaint against Google. The company is accused of anticompetitive practices and unfair monopoly in the field of search engines, over which it reigns supreme.
By also having control over the online advertising market, Google charges too high prices for advertising services, while stifling innovation and competition, the plaintiffs believe.
During their investigation, they got their hands on agreements established between Google and manufacturers such as Apple and Samsung. The company is asking them to make Chrome and Search the default apps in exchange for financial incentives, sometimes worth billions of dollars.
The company justifies itself as best it can, assuring that it is fighting with its weapons in an ultra-competitive ecosystem. It explains its monopoly by the quality of its products. An argument that does not convince. In August, Google was found guilty of abuse of a dominant position.
Why Chrome is specifically targeted ?
The Department of Justice hits hard. In its indictment, the court demands the forced sale of Google Chrome. Holding 64% of the market share in the global browser sector, the platform considerably strengthens Google's monopoly, argued the DoJ. The fact that Google Search is offered by default within Chrome is a strong argument to justify this decision, because it directly excludes competing search engines.
Remedies for the Android operating system have also been proposed. The aim is to prevent Google from favoring Search over its other products. If these measures fail, the DoJ is also considering selling the mobile OS. Just that.
What is the value of Google Chrome ?
Google Chrome is estimated to be worth between $15 billion and $20 billion. This assessment is partly based on its huge user base: the browser has more than 3 billion monthly active users.
200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000How would this sale impact Google??
If Google were to sell Chrome, the company would lose access to a colossal amount of user data. And this is the data that currently fuels its advertising ecosystem. This would reduce its market share in the online advertising sector and prevent it from running perfectly targeted campaigns.
The company would probably be forced to review its business model, as the interoperability of its services allows it to reach as many users as possible. However, this would not threaten its existence, although a long period of adaptation would very likely be necessary.
Who could buy the browser ?
Where there is a sale, there is a buyer. But the list of potential buyers for the browser is rather short, because few companies have the cash to make such an acquisition, estimated at around $29 billion.
The American press has already mentioned a few names. Among them, OpenAI, Oracle, Microsoft, Samsung and Apple. However, this information should be taken with a pinch of salt; there is no doubt that if one of these giants wanted to get their hands on Chrome, antitrust regulators would probe the operation very closely.
When will we have the final word on this story ?
The federal judge in charge of the case plans to hold a hearing in April 2025 to discuss the corrective measures to be applied. His decision will be announced in August of the same year.
For its part, Google has already indicated that it will appeal. Given the potential for appeals and the complexity of implementing such significant changes, any major changes to Google’s structure or operations may not take effect until late 2026 or even early 2027.
Why this case matters?
If Google were to sell Chrome, it would set a new precedent for antitrust enforcement in the digital age, potentially leading to further regulatory action against tech giants. The judge's decision will be closely scrutinized: Apple and Amazon are also in the sights of the American authorities for abuse of dominant position.
The repercussions would also be major for the field of browsers and search engines. The Mountain View firm would no longer be able to unite its two products to maximize, among other things, its advertising offer. Logically, the competition would benefit greatly from this.
It is nevertheless important to note that the forced sale is still far from having been pronounced. If other measures should be favored by the American justice system, nothing is yet guaranteed. The future of Chrome is more than ever in suspense.
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