DOJ Proposes Google Divest Chrome, Permits AI Investments

The U.S. Department of Justice is sticking to its guns, still demanding that Google sell off its web browser, Chrome, according to a court filing dropped on Friday.
This isn't a new tune—the DOJ floated the idea of Google ditching Chrome back last year when Joe Biden was president, and it looks like they're not backing down even with the second Trump administration in the White House. But, they've eased up a bit on Google's AI ventures, no longer insisting that the tech giant part ways with its hefty investments in companies like Anthropic.
“Google’s illegal antics have turned it into an economic behemoth, one that messes up the marketplace just to make sure it always comes out on top, no matter what,” the DOJ stated in a filing signed off by Omeed Assefi, who's currently holding down the fort as the acting attorney general for antitrust. (Just a heads up, Trump's pick to lead the DOJ's antitrust division is still waiting for the green light.)
That's why the DOJ says it's keeping the "core components" of its original plan intact, like getting rid of Chrome and stopping those search-related payments to partners.
When it comes to AI, the DOJ has softened its stance. They're not pushing for Google to dump its AI investments anymore but would be cool with just getting a heads-up on future moves. And about Android? Instead of forcing Google to sell it now, they're leaving that call to the court down the line, depending on how the market shapes up.
This latest move comes after the DOJ and 38 state attorneys general threw down the gauntlet with antitrust lawsuits, leading Judge Amit P. Mehta to call out Google for playing dirty to keep its monopoly on online search. Google's not taking this lying down—they're gearing up to appeal Mehta's ruling but threw out an alternative plan, promising more wiggle room for their partners.
A Google spokesperson told Reuters that the DOJ's "over-the-top proposals are way beyond what the Court decided and would mess things up for American consumers, the economy, and national security."
Judge Mehta's set to listen to arguments from both sides come April.
Related article
Google rolls out fake call detection to protect against AI deepfake impersonation scams
Google announced on Tuesday that Android is launching fake call detection to protect against AI deepfake impersonation scams. The feature is rolling out globally in Phone by Google to Android 12+ devices this month, starting with Pixel devices.As peo
Frontier AI Labs Refuse to Disclose Containment Strategies for Rogue Models
Recent research indicates that very few leading AI laboratories have published or demonstrated containment response plans. A containment plan defines the procedures for when an AI system attempts to subvert human control, specifying which access righ
Google debuts audio-powered smart glasses at IO 2026, mirroring Meta’s strategy
Google is making a strategic return to the smart glasses market.During Tuesday’s Google I/O event, the tech giant unveiled a collaboration with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster to launch a new series of AI-enabled eyewear. Designed in partnership with
Related Special Topic Recommendations
Comments (40)
0/500
Na also, das ist doch mal eine klare Botschaft vom DOJ! 😅 Irgendwie ironisch, dass Google Chrome abgeben soll aber gleichzeitig KI-Investitionen erlaubt sind. Ich frage mich, ob das wirklich fair für den Wettbewerb ist oder ob hier einfach nur Symbolpolitik betrieben wird. Die Tech-Riesen werden doch immer Wege finden, ihren Einfluss zu behalten...
Wow, the DOJ is really going hard on Google with this Chrome divestiture push! 🥳 It’s wild to think a browser could be such a big deal, but I guess it’s all about control. Wonder how this’ll shake up the AI race—permission to invest there feels like a weird trade-off. What’s next, splitting up YouTube?
Wild to think the DOJ is still pushing Google to ditch Chrome! 😲 Wonder if this is more about curbing Big Tech's power or just posturing. What's next, breaking up their AI dreams too?
Wow, Google might lose Chrome? That's wild! It's like telling a chef to give up their favorite knife. I wonder if this will actually make the web more competitive or just mess things up for users. 🤔
Wow, the DOJ is really going hard after Google! Forcing them to sell Chrome feels like trying to split a tech giant's heart out 😅. I wonder if this will actually make the web more competitive or just create new monopolies elsewhere. Thoughts, anyone?

Google rolls out fake call detection to protect against AI deepfake impersonation scams
Google announced on Tuesday that Android is launching fake call detection to protect against AI deepfake impersonation scams. The feature is rolling out globally in Phone by Google to Android 12+ devices this month, starting with Pixel devices.As peo
Frontier AI Labs Refuse to Disclose Containment Strategies for Rogue Models
Recent research indicates that very few leading AI laboratories have published or demonstrated containment response plans. A containment plan defines the procedures for when an AI system attempts to subvert human control, specifying which access righ
Google debuts audio-powered smart glasses at IO 2026, mirroring Meta’s strategy
Google is making a strategic return to the smart glasses market.During Tuesday’s Google I/O event, the tech giant unveiled a collaboration with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster to launch a new series of AI-enabled eyewear. Designed in partnership with
Na also, das ist doch mal eine klare Botschaft vom DOJ! 😅 Irgendwie ironisch, dass Google Chrome abgeben soll aber gleichzeitig KI-Investitionen erlaubt sind. Ich frage mich, ob das wirklich fair für den Wettbewerb ist oder ob hier einfach nur Symbolpolitik betrieben wird. Die Tech-Riesen werden doch immer Wege finden, ihren Einfluss zu behalten...
Wow, the DOJ is really going hard on Google with this Chrome divestiture push! 🥳 It’s wild to think a browser could be such a big deal, but I guess it’s all about control. Wonder how this’ll shake up the AI race—permission to invest there feels like a weird trade-off. What’s next, splitting up YouTube?
Wild to think the DOJ is still pushing Google to ditch Chrome! 😲 Wonder if this is more about curbing Big Tech's power or just posturing. What's next, breaking up their AI dreams too?
Wow, Google might lose Chrome? That's wild! It's like telling a chef to give up their favorite knife. I wonder if this will actually make the web more competitive or just mess things up for users. 🤔
Wow, the DOJ is really going hard after Google! Forcing them to sell Chrome feels like trying to split a tech giant's heart out 😅. I wonder if this will actually make the web more competitive or just create new monopolies elsewhere. Thoughts, anyone?





Home






