The tech giant Google is once again under scrutiny as the Department of Justice (DOJ) reaffirmed on Friday its proposal to force the company to divest its popular Chrome browser, a move that could have ripple effects across its ecosystem, potentially leading to the sale of its Google TV division and Android platform. This latest development comes as part of a broader antitrust battle initiated under the Biden administration, now gaining renewed momentum under President Trump’s leadership, raising the stakes for the Mountain View, California-based company, according to a report from The New York Times.The DOJ’s renewed push follows a landmark 2024 federal court ruling by Judge Amit Mehta of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, which declared that Google maintains an illegal monopoly over internet search. The government argues that Google’s dominance, bolstered by its control over Chrome and strategic business practices, stifles competition to the detriment of American consumers and businesses. “Google’s illegal conduct has created an economic goliath, one that wreaks havoc over the marketplace to ensure that—no matter what occurs—Google always wins,” the DOJ stated in a recent court filing. The proposal to divest Chrome aims to “allow rival search engines the ability to access the browser that for many users is a gateway to the internet,” a critical step toward leveling the playing field.The implications of this ruling could extend far beyond Chrome. Analysts suggest that forcing Google to sell off Chrome might trigger a domino effect, potentially requiring the company to divest other interconnected divisions, including Google TV and even the Android operating system. Google TV, which powers streaming devices and smart TVs, relies heavily on its Android infrastructure and Google’s search ecosystem for content delivery and user experience. A sale of Android could also result int he sale of its streaming business that use Google TV. Android, the world’s most widely used mobile operating system, is deeply integrated with Google’s services, including search and Chrome. A breakup could disrupt these synergies, forcing Google to either restructure its business model or sell off these lucrative segments to competitors.Google has fiercely resisted the DOJ’s proposals, with spokesperson Peter Schottenfels arguing, “DOJ’s sweeping proposals continue to go miles beyond the Court’s decision, and would harm America’s consumers, economy, and national security.” In December 2024, the company proposed restructuring its contracts with mobile device manufacturers and wireless carriers as a compromise, while also signaling its intent to appeal the antitrust ruling. However, the DOJ’s revised plan, which retains most of the Biden-era solutions, presents a significant hurdle. Notably, the government has dropped its earlier demand to divest Google’s AI investments, a concession that may reflect a shift in priorities under the Trump administration, but the core demand for Chrome’s divestiture remains firm.The potential sale of Google TV could reshape the streaming market, where the platform competes with Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV. Losing Google TV might weaken Android’s appeal in the smart home and entertainment sectors, as the two are tightly linked through shared software and services. Similarly, divesting Android—a move that would require unprecedented regulatory oversight—could hand competitors like Samsung or Huawei a chance to dominate mobile operating systems, fundamentally altering the tech landscape.The next phase of this legal battle will unfold in April 2025, when Google and the DOJ are scheduled to present their arguments before the court. The outcome could force Google to undergo a historic restructuring, potentially ending its reign as an all-encompassing tech empire. For now, the company remains defiant, but the specter of a breakup looms large, with significant consequences for its Google TV through its underlying use of Android and the broader tech industry.
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