U.S. Department of Justice: Google Should Sell Chrome and Grant Competitors Access to Its Web Index
Proposal by the U.S. Department of Justice Increases Pressure in Antitrust Proceedings Against Google
Observers estimate Chrome’s value at at least 15 to 20 billion U.S. dollars. The proposal, which was officially submitted to the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., on November 20, 2024, is part of a package of measures aimed at breaking Google’s monopoly. An update from PriDI attorney Leopold Beer on this new development in the antitrust case against Google.
The latest proposal from the U.S. Department of Justice in the antitrust case against Google could have far-reaching implications for the search engine industry: The agency is demanding that Google sell its globally leading browser, Chrome.
Back in August, Judge Amit Mehta had already ruled that Google had unlawfully maintained a monopoly and thereby harmed competition (see the Pridi team’s article on this). On November 20, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice submitted a proposal outlining various specific measures, including the sale of Chrome. In addition, Google is to grant all competitors affordable access to the company’s web index.
Why the Sale of Chrome Is in the Spotlight
Google’s Chrome browser is a key gateway to Google’s search engine and advertising network. The Department of Justice argues that Google’s dominant market position enables it to systematically exclude competitors. The sale is necessary to prevent this exclusion of competitors from the search engine market. For this reason, the company should also be prohibited from re-entering the browser market after the sale of Chrome or from acquiring companies that offer similar technologies, such as AI-powered search services.
The Ministry of Justice justified the second proposal – requiring Google to open up its own web index – by stating that this data is essential for competitors to build and successfully operate their own search engines. Therefore, Google should make its search index permanently accessible to competitors and potential competitors – at only marginal cost. In addition, Google should share its user and advertising data with its competitors free of charge for a period of ten years to promote a level playing field.
It remains unclear how quickly these measures could be implemented. For one thing, the court is not expected to rule until August of next year on the measures intended to remedy Google’s antitrust violations. For another, Google is expected to appeal the ruling, which would further prolong the proceedings. In addition, political factors, particularly Donald Trump’s election as U.S. president could also play a role. Trump has recently been critical of breaking up Google, as he believes it would harm consumers.
The court’s decision is expected in August 2025. Until then, it remains to be seen if and when Chrome will be sold and free access to Google’s web index will be granted
What implications do these demands have for the European search engine market and the PriDI project?
European users are currently heavily dependent on U.S. search engines, particularly Google, which holds a market share of over 90 percent. Breaking up Google and opening up the market would therefore also have an impact on the European search engine market.
Further developments could come from European players who are currently working on alternatives to the web indexes of U.S. companies. One example is the “OpenWebSearch.EU” project. It is based on a values-driven approach and prioritizes non-commercial interests. The PriDI project examines the legal aspects of an open web index, such as the one currently being developed by OpenWebSearch.EU. In particular, the PriDI team focuses on data protection, privacy, and fundamental rights in the context of an open web index.
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