Google Avoids Chrome Breakup but Faces Data-Sharing Mandate

Google Headquarters. File photo.

Google has narrowly escaped having to sell off its Chrome web browser after a US judge ruled the tech titan must share key data with its competitors. This decision follows a protracted legal battle over Google’s dominance in online search, spearheaded by District Judge Amit Mehta. The case focused on Google’s tactic of setting its search engine as the default across numerous platforms, including Android and Chrome, as well as Apple devices.

The US Department of Justice advocated for the forced sale of Chrome, but Tuesday's verdict means Google can keep its browser. However, Google must share crucial search data with competitors to level the playing field. Google proposed less intense measures, such as amending revenue-sharing deals with companies like Apple, which typically set Google as the default search engine on devices.

Since allegations first surfaced in 2020, Google has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The tech giant maintains that its dominance stems from its search engine being superior and more popular than alternatives. Despite this, last year Judge Mehta found Google guilty of employing unfair tactics to monopolise the online search market, thus breaching US law.

Judge Mehta concluded that selling Chrome would not fit the specifics of this case. Furthermore, Google retains its Android operating system, critical to most smartphones globally. The company argued that offloading integral parts, like Android, could jeopardise their functionality.

The announcement triggered an 8% surge in Alphabet shares, Google’s parent company. The ruling also favours smartphone manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, and Motorola, freeing them from Google's hefty exclusivity payments. Google previously paid over 910 billion Thai baht ($26 billion) in 2021 to firms like Apple and Mozilla for exclusive pre-loading agreements.

Under the new terms, Google must refrain from exclusive contracts concerning Google Search, Chrome, Google Assistant, or the Gemini app. This change grants manufacturers the freedom to preload competing search engines and browsers alongside Google’s offerings, reported the BBC.

Gene Munster, from Deepwater Asset Management, remarked that the ruling bodes well for major tech firms, particularly Apple, as it forces annual renegotiations of search agreements. Melissa Otto from S&P Global noted that the market had anticipated more severe restrictions for Google, and the decision presents a mutually beneficial outcome for corporate giants involved.

While Google remains tight-lipped on the ruling, it has indicated plans to appeal, hinting at prolonged legal proceedings. The tech giant’s legal dilemmas are far from over, as later this month, another case will address its alleged monopolies in online advertising technology.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-09-03