Google May Be Forced to Sell Chrome Browser Amid U.S. Monopoly Allegations
DOJ May Pressure Google to Sell Chrome
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is reportedly preparing to pressure Google to sell its Chrome internet browser. This follows accusations of unfairly dominating the search and advertising market. The DOJ argues that this move would reduce Google’s monopoly in the browser space.
Monopoly Allegations Against Google
In August, a U.S. court found Google guilty of violating antitrust laws, stating the company leveraged its dominance in the search and advertising sectors to maintain a monopoly. The court also highlighted that Google’s actions hindered fair competition in the tech industry.
The Popularity of Google Chrome
Google Chrome remains the world’s most widely used browser, responsible for 65% of global internet searches. Apple’s Safari follows with a 21% market share, while others like Firefox hold significantly smaller portions. One key driver of Chrome’s dominance is its integration as the default browser on Android devices, the leading mobile operating system globally.
Potential Impact on Google
If Chrome is sold, it could reshape the browser market. Google’s parent company, Alphabet, saw a 1.25% drop in its share prices recently, although its market capitalization remains strong at $2.16 trillion.
Largest Companies by Market Cap
- NVIDIA: ₹301.97 lakh crore
- Apple: ₹292.08 lakh crore
- Microsoft: ₹260.66 lakh crore
- Alphabet: ₹182.40 lakh crore
- Amazon: ₹180.01 lakh crore
Google’s next steps in response to these allegations will be crucial in determining its role in the browser market and beyond.
