Whether you’re looking for information or deciding where to go for a walk, Google and Chrome always help you find the right answers. Many of us use Google and Chrome frequently, but some people have concerns that Google may be listening to us. For example, when you decide to buy something, you might notice ads for that product on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has raised similar concerns about Google. Now, Chrome may also face scrutiny. Google is under pressure to sell Chrome.
According to Bloomberg News, the US Department of Justice is preparing to file a petition asking Alphabet to sell the Chrome browser. Google’s Chrome browser controls what users see on the internet and the ads they encounter. Google Search, which is commonly used on Chrome, collects significant data for its advertising business. Chrome holds about two-thirds of the global browser market, leading some lawyers to argue that Google’s search monopoly harms competitors. Chrome is used to promote products through advertisements, reducing opportunities for other competitors to enter the market.
Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google’s Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, stated that the DOJ’s actions go beyond legal issues and could result in consumer loss and industry impact. Chrome’s massive market share is a key revenue source for Google, and when users sign in to Chrome with a Google account, the company can offer them targeted advertising.
Other search engines can be set as default…
However, Google claims that its search engine is trusted by users due to its quality. The company faces strong competition from Amazon and other sites, and users are free to choose other search engines as their default option. Additionally, Google may be required to share more information with advertisers, and the government will have the authority to decide whether Chrome should be sold. Bloomberg reports that the Justice Department also wants to ensure that Google provides more options for websites and prevent Google’s artificial intelligence products from using their content.
