Google’s Chrome browser could be sold for as much as $20 billion if a federal judge approves a Justice Department proposal to separate the browser from Alphabet Inc, Google’s parent company. This potential move is part of an aggressive antitrust case against Google, accusing it of illegally dominating the search market.
The Justice Department, supported by several states, plans to suggest measures targeting Chrome, artificial intelligence, and the Android smartphone operating system, reports Bloomberg. These recommendations will be presented to federal judge Amit Mehta, who ruled in August that Google violated antitrust laws in the online search market.
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Chrome, with over 3 billion monthly active users, is a cornerstone of Google’s ecosystem. It plays a vital role in the company’s advertising business by gathering user data to deliver highly targeted ads. According to Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Mandeep Singh, the browser could fetch “at least $15-$20 billion” if sold.
However, Chrome’s value isn’t just in revenue. Bob O’Donnell of TECHnalysis Research notes that the browser serves as a “gateway” to Google’s other services, making it hard to evaluate its worth from a pure income perspective.
Antitrust officials want Google to sell Chrome because it is the main entry point for many users accessing its search engine. Chrome currently holds about 61 percent of the US browser market, making it a significant player. The Justice Department also plans to recommend that Google uncouple its Android operating system from other services like Google Play and search.
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Google, however, strongly opposes these measures. Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google’s vice president of regulatory affairs, called the proposals a “radical agenda” that would harm users and developers while affecting US technological leadership.
The final decision on whether Google must sell Chrome or adopt other remedies will come after a two-week hearing in April 2025. If Chrome is sold, finding a suitable buyer will be key. While large tech companies like Amazon might seem like potential buyers, their own antitrust challenges could complicate such a deal.
Analysts suggest that AI-focused companies like OpenAI might be a better fit. A merger with a US-based AI firm could align with government goals to strengthen the country’s AI innovation and global position.