The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has proposed a number of measures to end Google’s monopoly on web searching, including the forced sale of Chrome.

Google currently handles more than 90% of online queries. Its web browser Chrome also dominates personal computers, tablets and smartphones.

In many cases, it’s the default browser on these devices, with Google having entered exclusive deals with device manufacturers including Apple.

In a landmark case in August 2024, the US district court found Google liable for maintaining monopolies in US general search services and US general search text advertising.

Amit Mehta, the judge presiding over the case, branded the tech giant a “monopolist”. He accused Google of illegally crushing its competition in online search.

To ‘remedy’ the situation, the DOJ said it would consider a number of measures to end Google’s monopoly and open up the online search market.

On 20 November, prosecutors in the department filed court papers expanding on the proposed...