Alphabet’s Google and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) are preparing to deliver final arguments Friday in a historic antitrust trial that could reshape the future of online search.
The DOJ, joined by a coalition of states, is urging a federal judge to force sweeping changes at Google—including the potential breakup of its Chrome browser, mandated data sharing, and a ban on multibillion-dollar deals that make Google the default search engine on most smartphones.
These aggressive remedies follow a judge’s earlier finding that Google illegally maintained monopoly power in online search and related advertising markets. Regulators argue the proposed measures are necessary to revive competition, particularly as emerging AI companies begin to challenge Google’s dominance.
The trial, which began in April, is being overseen by U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta, who expects to issue a decision by August.
One proposal generating buzz: a potential sale of Chrome. At the trial, OpenAI’s head of product for ChatGPT, Nick Turley, expressed interest in acquiring Chrome if it becomes available. He also noted that access to Google’s search data would significantly enhance the accuracy and timeliness of AI-generated answers.
Meanwhile, Google contends that the DOJ’s demands go far beyond what the law permits, effectively handing over valuable technology to rivals. The tech giant has already taken steps to open up—relaxing agreements with phone manufacturers like Samsung to give space for competing search and AI tools.
Still, the DOJ is pushing for stronger action. Among its demands: a full stop to Google’s hefty payments to companies that pre-install its search engine, a practice regulators argue cements its monopoly.
As the trial wraps, the tech world is bracing for a decision that could send shockwaves across the search, advertising, and AI landscapes.
