It seems that U.S. authorities are finally determined to rein in a digital monopoly that has lasted too long. According to Bloomberg, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to dismantle this monopoly, focusing primarily on separating the Chrome browser from Google’s portfolio.
As part of the landmark antitrust trial regarding advertising in search products, the DOJ, according to the same source, is considering asking the judge to compel Google to sell its popular browser, the most widely used in the world.
The browser is currently seen as one of the main barriers preventing other companies from competing with Google. Additionally, there is speculation that Chrome is being used by Google not only to collect but also to process data that could improve its search engine.
The sale of Google Chrome would undoubtedly be a cornerstone of this effort, but the DOJ is also weighing other measures, such as suggesting that Google separate Android from Google Search, though it is not asking for the mobile operating system to be sold.
It appears the DOJ will also demand that Google provide tools allowing content creators to opt out of being excluded from Google’s AI products—something OpenAI already allows. Finally, the DOJ plans to seek a ban on exclusive contracts, which were a central issue in the case against Google.
Unsurprisingly, Google strongly opposes these measures, labeling them as radical, according to The Verge.
Note: Article originally written in Spanish, translated with ChatGPT, and reviewed in english by Jorge Mediavilla.
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