Google has rejected a US government proposal to sell its widely used Chrome browser, arguing that such a move is unnecessary and extreme. Instead, the tech giant has proposed a workaround that restricts its licensing practices to address antitrust concerns.
In a 12-page court filing, Google suggested prohibiting itself from making favorable treatment of its software a condition for licensing popular applications such as Chrome, Play or Gemini. The company believes this approach would resolve competition concerns without dismantling its business.
This response comes after the US Department of Justice (DOJ) urged a judge to order the sale of Chrome and ban deals that make Google's search engine the default option on smartphones.
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The Justice Department's proposal also seeks to prevent Google from exploiting its Android operating system to dominate the market.
Google maintains that imposing restrictions on licenses is a more balanced remedy than a forced sale. The company proposed that mobile device manufacturers and operators would no longer be forced to pre-install Google software or set its search engine as the default option.
The landmark antitrust trial, in which Judge Amit Mehta declared Google a monopoly in August, now enters the crucial phase of determining corrective measures. While the Justice Department is aiming for a significant restructuring, Google is expected to appeal any unfavorable rulings, which could drag the case before higher courts for years.
This seminal case highlights the growing tension between regulating tech giants and maintaining innovation in the digital economy.
AFP
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