The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is reportedly set to ask a federal judge to impose major structural changes on Google following its recent antitrust trial. Officials are targeting Google’s dominance in search and digital advertising, with proposals to force the company to sell its Chrome browser and loosen its integration of Android with services like Google Play and Search.

Why Chrome?

Chrome, the world’s leading browser, serves as a crucial gateway for Google to cross-promote its search and advertising services. Critics argue that this dominance stifles competition and limits innovation in the digital ecosystem. The DOJ aims to curtail Google’s ability to favor its own products by detaching Chrome from its core operations.

What about Android?

While Google might not have to sell off Android, the DOJ plans to restrict how the operating system ties into Google’s ecosystem. This could include new rules requiring more transparency for advertisers and preventing exclusive agreements like those criticized in the case.

Impact on AI and Ad Tech

Another potential requirement would limit Google’s use of web content for training its AI models and provide advertisers more control over their campaigns. This move addresses growing concerns about Google leveraging its monopoly in the AI space.

Google’s reaction

Google has fiercely contested these claims, with its global affairs VP describing the proposals as “radical” and outside the trial’s scope. The company plans to appeal the ruling, which found its default search deals illegal under antitrust laws court agrees to the DOJ’s proposals, this could mark one of the most significant antitrust moves against a tech giant in decades. Such action may shake up the digital advertising and tech markets, benefiting smaller competitors—but potentially disrupting users accustomed to Google’s integrated services.