The U.S. Justice Department has filed a lawsuit to separate Google from Chrome.

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a series of demands against Google, including a previously announced sale of the Chrome browser. This follows the formal recognition of the tech giant as a monopoly in August 2024.

Bloomberg reports on this matter.

In a lawsuit submitted on Wednesday, November 21, the Department of Justice stated that Google should divest from the Chrome browser, as it contributes to strengthening the company's monopoly in the market. Antitrust authorities also considered the possibility of separating Android but suggested a number of restrictions due to the risk of these demands not being accepted.

According to the statement, the government aims to separate Chrome to "end Google's control over this critical access point to search and provide competing search engines with access to a browser that serves as a primary gateway to the internet for many."

On its official website, Google has already commented on the antitrust lawsuit, stating that splitting the company and the browser would harm both its products and American consumers.

“The Department of Justice's approach will lead to unprecedented government overreach that will harm American consumers, developers, and small businesses – and jeopardize America's global economic and technological leadership just when it is most needed,” said Kent Walker, President of Global Affairs and Chief Legal Officer at Google.

Among other things, antitrust authorities propose to prohibit Google from entering into exclusive agreements, including paying for the pre-installation of its search engine on devices or browsers. This could negatively impact Firefox, for example, which derives part of its revenue from an agreement with Google.

Google will also be required to allow smartphone manufacturers and telecom operators to offer users a choice screen for configuring search engines and browsers. Additionally, the company will need to provide competitors with licenses for basic "click and query" data and search results, including data from YouTube.

The Department of Justice has also proposed restrictions related to the rapid development of artificial intelligence, considering its potential to replace traditional search engines. These measures include a ban on Google acquiring, investing in, or collaborating with other providers of search and digital advertising services.

If the restrictions on artificial intelligence are adopted, the company will be forced to terminate existing partnerships, which could harm its investments, including in the AI startup Anthropic.

Google will have the opportunity to present its terms regarding these demands next month. In March, the Department of Justice will respond to the proposal, and a two-week trial will commence in April 2025 to determine what restrictions will be imposed on the company.

Background. Earlier, Mind reported that the U.S. Department of Justice is exploring the possibility of dividing Google's business. The U.S. is seeking options to limit the company's dominance.