The US moves to curb Google’s search and ad monopoly as AI advances, pushing for a Chrome browser spinoff to protect competition.

US Pushes to Break Google’s Hold on the Internet as AI Reshapes Search

By [Your Name] | April 22, 2025

In a courtroom showdown that could reshape the digital world, the U.S. Department of Justice is intensifying its fight against Google’s sprawling tech empire. At the heart of this legal battle is a bold request: split off Chrome, the world’s most widely used browser, as a means to curb the tech giant’s dominance in internet search—especially as artificial intelligence (AI) begins to transform how we access information online.

Speaking to a Washington D.C. courtroom on Monday, Assistant Attorney General Gail Slater didn’t mince words. “Nothing less than the future of the internet is at stake,” she declared. Her message was clear—without meaningful intervention, Google could consolidate even greater control over the online ecosystem as it integrates AI more deeply into its services.

Chrome Under Fire as AI Amplifies Google’s Reach

Google’s Chrome browser, used by over 60% of internet users globally, is more than just a web tool—it’s a key gateway to Google Search. As Google continues embedding AI into its core offerings, the DOJ argues that Chrome has become a powerful lever for steering users toward Google’s ecosystem, limiting exposure to rival search engines and services.

The Justice Department’s proposal—breaking Chrome away from Google—is an aggressive move, but one they say is necessary. The concern isn’t just about search anymore. With AI rapidly changing how people interact with online platforms, controlling the tools that deliver search results and data insights becomes even more consequential.

“AI gives companies like Google unprecedented power to shape user experience and commercial outcomes,” said tech policy analyst Dr. Rachel Wexler of the Brookings Institution. “If left unchecked, this could entrench monopolistic behaviors under the guise of innovation.”

Google Pushes Back: “An Overreach That Hurts Innovation”

Google’s response was swift and emphatic. Kent Walker, the company’s president of global affairs, criticized the DOJ’s proposed remedies in a blog post, calling them “a radical interventionist agenda that would harm Americans and America’s global technology leadership.”

Walker argues the government’s case overreaches the initial court decision, which found in August 2024 that Google had illegally maintained a monopoly in search. Google maintains that its agreements with device manufacturers like Apple and Samsung are standard industry practices—not anticompetitive maneuvers.

The tech giant also contends that spinning off Chrome or even Android, as the DOJ hinted, would disrupt millions of users and developers, creating confusion and stalling progress in emerging tech fields like AI.

Another Legal Blow: Ad Tech Monopoly Ruling

The latest legal push comes on the heels of another significant ruling against Google. Earlier this month, a Virginia federal judge found the company held illegal monopolies in key segments of the digital advertising market. Specifically, the court ruled that Google abused its dominance in ad exchanges and publisher ad servers, which are critical to online content monetization.

Judge Leonie Brinkema, who issued the ruling, stated that Google “willfully engaged in a series of anticompetitive acts” to solidify its control over the open-web advertising ecosystem. While part of the government’s argument related to advertiser tools was dismissed, the decision marks a substantial blow to Google’s lucrative ad tech business, which funds its vast array of free consumer services, including Gmail, Google Maps, and YouTube.

What’s at Stake for the Internet—and Consumers

Together, these cases represent a pivotal moment in the relationship between Big Tech and government regulators. Should the DOJ succeed in forcing a breakup or significant restructuring of Google’s operations, it could set a precedent for how AI-era monopolies are managed.

Critics say Google’s grip on search and advertising has stifled competition, reduced consumer choice, and made it harder for startups to enter the market. “We need to ensure that innovation happens on a level playing field,” said Columbia Law School professor Tim Wu, an antitrust expert and former White House advisor. “That means reevaluating what market dominance looks like in an age powered by algorithms and machine learning.”

Looking Ahead: Appeals, AI, and Accountability

Google plans to appeal both court decisions. However, as public scrutiny over Big Tech’s influence grows, so does pressure for structural change. The coming months could see new regulations, increased Congressional interest, and possibly, more lawsuits targeting how major platforms use AI to steer user behavior.

For now, one thing is certain—the battle over who shapes the future of the internet is far from over. With AI accelerating the stakes, regulators and tech giants are gearing up for a new era of legal and ethical showdowns.

Conclusion
As artificial intelligence becomes the cornerstone of online innovation, the question isn’t just whether Google has a monopoly—but whether its dominance today will define our digital future tomorrow. The DOJ’s legal crusade signals a shift toward holding tech behemoths accountable, not just for past actions, but for the unprecedented influence they may wield in the years ahead.

Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. The views expressed are based on public court proceedings and expert commentary available at the time of writing.

source : phys.org