Advocacy Group Pushes for Google to Divest Chrome Amid Antitrust Concerns

An advocacy group has argued that Google should be compelled to divest its Chrome browser and prohibited from paying Apple to distribute its search engine, citing antitrust concerns. The nonprofit Public Knowledge filed a friend-of-the-court brief in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, asserting that independent ownership of Chrome would enhance privacy protections and reduce monopolistic practices. This follows a 2025 court order by Judge Mehta that required Google to share user data with competitors and restrict exclusive distribution deals for its services. Google has appealed the decision, claiming its market position is justified by user preference and revenue benefits. Meanwhile, the Justice Department and states support maintaining the liability findings, though they did not explicitly demand Chrome divestiture. The debate centers on balancing innovation, competition, and consumer interests, with critics highlighting Google’s dual role in shaping Chrome’s privacy policies while profiting from advertising. Mozilla also warned that losing Google’s payment for search engine distribution could force it out of the browser market, adding complexity to the antitrust case.