Google Challenges DOJ’s Demand to Sell Chrome

Google has issued a formal statement opposing the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) proposal to force the company to sell its Chrome browser. The tech giant labeled the demand as an “extreme measure” that conflicts with legal principles and warned it could stifle future innovation.

Google argued that the requirement to divest Chrome is disproportionate to the alleged anticompetitive behavior. The accusations involve exclusive agreements with browser developers, smartphone manufacturers, and telecom operators, which made Google Search the default engine on devices and apps. According to Google, addressing anticompetitive practices should rely on proportional measures, and selling Chrome exceeds what is reasonable or necessary.

The statement follows a ruling by Judge Amit Mehta, who declared Google's contracts securing search dominance to be illegal. In response, the DOJ and attorneys general from multiple states have demanded not only the sale of Chrome but also changes to Google’s business practices to promote market competition.

Google plans to appeal the court’s decision but can only do so after the final ruling, which is expected in August 2025.