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Donald Trump’s Department of Justice isn’t backing down from its push to break up Google.
Despite the tech giant’s efforts last week to persuade officials to drop the idea, the DOJ on Friday still called for Google to divest its popular Chrome browser—and potentially Android—as part of its ongoing search antitrust case.
Splitting Google from Chrome would have far-reaching implications in the industry. Chrome’s exclusive data pipeline has long fueled Google’s dominance and losing that edge could weaken its grip—not just on search ads, but on its future of generative AI.
The DOJ is also continuing to suggest that halting Google’s $20 billion deal with Apple, which made Chrome the default browser on iPhones.
The DOJ’s bid to divest Google highlights the administration’s efforts to confront breaking antitrust rules in Silicon Valley.
While those major proposals remain, the DOJ has also made a number of tweaks. This includes the ability for publishers, websites, and content creators to opt out of having their content crawled for search indexing, training AI models, or being repurposed as AI-generated content
Where the DOJ’s proposals have relaxed
Under the proposed remedies, Google can retain its existing investments in AI startups like Anthropic. Under the initial proposal, Google would have been required to divest its holdings in companies like Anthropic.
The DOJ also wants Google to overhaul its Android business to restore competition or face selling the operating system. Previously, it had suggested Google could sell Android instead of making the necessary changes.
Where the DOJ’s proposals have tightened
The DOJ is doubling down on restrictions aimed at curbing Google’s dominance, imposing tighter oversight on its acquisitions and investments in the search text ads market. Google will be required to notify antitrust regulators before making any new investments in its rivals.