Google Faces Antitrust Ruling, Potential Sale of Chrome Browser

A federal court will decide if Google must sell Chrome, its popular browser, after ruling the company illegally maintains a monopoly in online search and ad markets. Several competitors, including Search.com and Perplexity, have expressed interest in buying Chrome. A court is expected to rule on a remedy by the end of this month, which could force Google to divest its premier web browser.

A federal judge is expected to issue a ruling by the end of August on whether Google must sell its Chrome browser, a potential game-changer for the tech giant. The decision comes amidst a broader antitrust case alleging that Google illegally maintains a monopoly in online search and ad markets [1].

The U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia, under Judge Amit Mehta, declared Google a monopolist in internet search in 2024, ruling that its parent company, Alphabet (GOOGL), illegally prevented rivals from developing their own products [1]. The court held hearings earlier this year to discuss legal remedies, with the Department of Justice (DOJ) proposing a Chrome divestiture and unwinding Google's default search deals with Apple (AAPL) [1].

Multiple competitors, including Search.com and Perplexity, have expressed interest in buying Chrome. Perplexity AI, a startup focusing on AI search, made an unsolicited $34.5 billion bid for Google's Chrome browser in August, aiming to tap into the browser's billions of users [2]. The company pledged to keep the underlying browser code open source and invest $3 billion over two years [2].

Analysts and legal experts suggest that a Chrome divestiture is unlikely, with Judge Mehta expected to hold off on such a remedy until the appeals process is completed [1, 2]. "I think this case is a strong candidate to make its way to the Supreme Court, which means we may be three years away from a final resolution of the case," said William Kovacic, a professor at George Washington University Law School [1].

The antitrust case has loomed over Google stock, which has gained nearly 7% in 2025 despite the legal challenges [1]. Google also faces another antitrust case related to its dominance in online advertising, with Judge Leonie Brinkema of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia ruling that Google has used classic monopoly-building tactics to dominate the digital ad market [1].

The potential impact of a Chrome divestiture on Google's stock and market position remains uncertain, with analysts predicting a minimal impact on the company's distribution and use of its products [1]. However, the case could have significant implications for Google's AI search tools and its broader business model.

References:
[1] https://www.investors.com/news/technology/google-stock-wall-street-awaits-judges-ruling-on-remedies-in-search-antitrust-case/
[2] https://cybernews.com/deals/perplexity-34-5-billion-bid-googles-chrome-browser/