U.S. Pushes for Breakup of Google's Monopoly: Radical Proposals Underway

The U.S. Justice Department is considering asking a judge to order Google to divest aspects of its business, citing illegal monopoly practices. This includes potentially divesting the Chrome browser and Android OS. The proposed remedies aim to reshape internet information access and prevent Google's future control, especially in AI.

The United States Justice Department is preparing to ask a judge to force Alphabet's Google to divest key parts of its business, such as the Chrome browser and Android operating system, claiming these are used to maintain an illegal monopoly in the online search market.

In a landmark ruling, a U.S. judge determined in August that Google holds an illegal monopoly, processing 90% of internet searches in the U.S. The Justice Department's potential remedies could significantly influence how Americans access information online, potentially reducing Google's revenue and increasing opportunities for its competitors.

The Justice Department may also seek to end Google's substantial payments to have its search engine pre-installed or set as default on new devices. In its defense, Google argues that its success is due to quality and existing competition, stressing that users can freely choose their search engine.

(With inputs from agencies.)