Google Chrome isn’t just a browser—it’s the internet’s de facto front door. But growing regulatory pressure could force Google to make an unthinkable move: give it up. Antitrust concerns, monopoly accusations, and the sheer dominance of Chrome in both desktop and mobile browsing have put a target on Google’s back.
After years of speculation, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has finally taken a strong stance against Google. The DOJ recommends that Google should be forced to sell its Chrome browser due to illegal monopolistic practices. Personally, I’m eager to see this decision come to life.
How We Got Here
About six months ago, the DOJ won a four-year-long lawsuit against Google. U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta ruled that Google had knowingly built and maintained an illegal monopoly. The company pressured business partners into agreements that required them to use Chrome and Google Search. The combination of Google’s Android operating system and its exclusive search deals with Apple gave it absolute dominance in the mobile web space.
Initially, the DOJ considered forcing Google to sell Chrome, Google Search, Android, or a combination of these. Google appealed the decision—and likely still is. However, despite political shifts and Google’s efforts to win favor with the Trump administration, the DOJ remains focused on making Google sell Chrome.
It’s easy to predict that Google will fight back. However, it may take months before a judge finalizes the ruling. Google will use every legal (and possibly illegal) method to delay or block the decision. But if the company is truly forced to let go of Chrome, it could be a win for consumers.
Read more: How to Speed Up Your WordPress Website
Google Shouldn’t Keep Chrome
Judge Mehta was clear in his ruling: “Google is a monopolist, and it has acted to maintain its monopoly.” Google holds over 90% of the browser market share, while its closest competitor, Microsoft’s Bing, has less than 4%.
Under the Sherman Antitrust Act, having a monopoly isn’t illegal—but creating and maintaining one through artificial means is. Google used corporate partnerships and Chrome-Android integrations to crush competition, securing its dominance in search and advertising.
We’re Heading for Chaos
Chrome is not just a browser—it’s an entire ecosystem. Google has long developed the open-source Chromium project, which powers Microsoft Edge, Opera, Vivaldi, and others.
If Google is forced to sell Chrome, we could see major disruptions. The future of Chromebooks and ChromeOS also becomes uncertain. Google may shift to an Android-based system, or another company might take over Chromium development.
A Huge Opportunity for Microsoft
If another company takes control of the browser market, Microsoft is the most likely candidate. A rebranded “Microsoft Chrome” could become the new default for Windows users, just as Google Chrome was deeply tied to Google Search.
This shift could spark new competition. For over a decade, Google’s monopoly has kept the browser industry stagnant. But breaking that grip might lead to innovation. Microsoft could invest in new browser technology and offer users more choices.
If Google truly abandons Chrome, another browser—perhaps a Chromium fork or an entirely new project—will take its place. This could bring more diversity to the tech market, ultimately benefiting users.