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Back in the Dock!
The antitrust trial against Google has reached a critical stage. Since April 21, U.S. courts have reopened discussions to determine if the California-based giant should be forced to divest Chrome, its overwhelmingly dominant web browser, which is accused of locking out competitors.
For Gail Slater, head of the Antitrust Department at the Justice Department, the future of the internet is at stake
. Already found guilty of monopolistic practices in online search, Google could face a landmark punishment: the divestiture of its browser.
The DOJ criticizes Google for using Chrome as a tool to reinforce its search engine’s dominance. Preinstalled by default on millions of devices through deals with Apple, Samsung, and other manufacturers, Chrome is thus a strategic gateway to the company’s services. According to the prosecution, this setup blocks any serious competition attempts.
Without Chrome, Google would lose a massive source of user search data
, notes Yory Wurmser, an analyst at eMarketer. This split would also open up access to this data to other players, a move seen as crucial for fostering the creation of viable alternatives to Google Search.
Google Slams “Radical” Attack Amid AI Race
On its part, Google labels the DOJ’s proposals as radical
. Kent Walker, the company’s President of Global Affairs, has warned that these actions would harm not just consumers, but also developers and small American businesses.
The Justice Department’s approach would lead to an unprecedented government overreach,
he argued, claiming it would undermine U.S. technological leadership.
The trial also addresses the realm of artificial intelligence. With the rise of solutions like ChatGPT (OpenAI), Gemini (Google), and Perplexity AI, the way people access information is rapidly changing. And Google does not intend to lose its dominant position in this new era.
However, for the Justice Department, allowing Google to maintain a monopoly over information flows—even through generative AI—would be a barrier to innovation. Nothing will advance artificial intelligence faster than an open and competitive market
, Gail Slater affirmed.
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This case is drawing significant attention. OpenAI has expressed interest in acquiring Chrome if a federal court mandates its divestiture, stated ChatGPT’s head Nick Turley during a Tuesday court session. Yes, we would, as would many other parties,
he mentioned during the Google trial.
A Marathon Trial… Heading to the Supreme Court?
If Judge Amit Mehta, who also presided over the previous case, decides on a structural separation for Google, the company would likely appeal. This process could span several years and possibly escalate to the Supreme Court.
Gail Slater compared the situation to major antitrust cases of the 20th century, such as the breakups of Standard Oil or AT&T. This strong analogy highlights the symbolic significance of this trial for the future of tech and its global impact.
As tech giants’ CEOs attempt to align with Donald Trump, back in power, to influence upcoming decisions, the U.S. judiciary appears more determined than ever to rewrite the rules.