US government orders sale of Google Chrome browser

The US government has ordered a judge to order Google to sell its Chrome browser as part of a major antitrust crackdown.

In a court case, the US Justice Department urged Google to make its business transparent, including by restricting the tech company’s other options for being the default search engine on smartphones and preventing it from exploiting users’ Android mobile operating system.

Google should also be required to sell Android if the proposed mechanism does not prevent the tech company from using its control of the mobile operating system to its advantage, officials said in court filings.

Google’s president of global affairs, Kent Walker, responded to the filing by saying that Justice Department officials have sought to promote an interventionist agenda.

The demand to sell Google’s prized Chrome browser marks a fundamental shift by US government regulators who similarly tried to “break” Microsoft two decades ago.

Why is Google Considering Selling Chrome? Rumors of Google selling Chrome have surfaced amid growing concerns about antitrust issues and competition in the tech industry. The U.S. and European Union regulators have been investigating Google for its dominant position in the digital market, and selling Chrome could be seen as a way to appease these concerns. By divesting itself of the browser, Google might avoid additional scrutiny and regulatory pressure.

Another possible reason for selling Chrome could be Google’s desire to streamline its operations. With a vast range of products and services, focusing on its core business areas—search, advertising, and cloud computing—might allow Google to optimize resources and reduce distractions. Additionally, Google’s heavy investment in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning could shift the company’s focus toward AI-driven services rather than the ongoing maintenance and development of its browser.

What Would Happen to Chrome After the Sale?

If Google proceeds with the sale, the future of Chrome would largely depend on the new owner. There are several possible scenarios for the browser’s future:

1. Acquisition by Another Tech Giant: A potential buyer like Microsoft or Apple could integrate Chrome into their ecosystems. Microsoft, for example, might look to add Chrome’s features to Edge, which could result in the merging of two major browsers into a single platform. Apple, on the other hand, might continue to operate Chrome as a standalone product alongside Safari.
2. Independent Operation: Chrome could continue to operate as an independent product under new ownership. This would likely involve the browser maintaining its familiar features but potentially seeing some changes in its integration with Google’s services, like Google Search or Gmail.
3. Shift in Business Model: The new owner of Chrome might decide to change its business model. For instance, the browser could adopt a subscription-based model, introduce new privacy features as a premium offering, or rely on alternative revenue streams like selling user data (although this could be controversial).

Impact on Users For users, the sale of Chrome could bring both positive and negative consequences. On one hand, competition could lead to new features, improved privacy, and better performance. On the other hand, a sale could raise concerns about the browser’s long-term stability, user data privacy, and the possible removal of popular integrations with Google services.

Some of the key areas that users would need to consider include:

• Privacy Concerns: Google has long been criticized for its data collection practices. If another company acquires Chrome, users might wonder if their browsing data would be handled differently. A shift in privacy policy could either benefit or harm consumers, depending on the new owner’s stance on data protection.
• Updates and Security: Chrome’s frequent updates have kept it secure and functional over the years. A change in ownership could affect the frequency and quality of updates, particularly with regard to security patches and bug fixes.
• User Experience: If the new owner changes the user interface or the way Chrome functions, long-time users might have to adapt to a new browsing experience. This could be a challenging transition for those who rely on the browser’s familiar design and tools.