The U.S. Department of Justice is looking to acquire Google Chrome for up to $20 billion, pending approval from a federal judge, a significant move against one of the largest tech firms worldwide.

The decision about the Chrome browser, managed by Alphabet Inc.—Google’s parent company—rests with U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta. In August, Mehta determined that Google had engaged in illegal monopolistic practices in the search market, according to a memorandum reviewed by YSL News.

According to Mehta, Alphabet Inc. blocked competition in the same market by paying $26 billion in 2021 to establish Chrome as the default browser on mobile devices and web platforms, as reported by Bloomberg News.

Mehta stated, “Google’s dominance has been unchallenged for more than a decade.” He further added that “Google’s distribution agreements limit a significant segment of the general search services market, undermining competitors’ chances.”

YSL News reached out to Google, its legal representatives, and the Justice Department on Wednesday, but did not receive an immediate reply.

States get involved in the antitrust case against Google

The Justice Department has requested Judge Mehta to impose conditions on Google’s AI and Android operating system, as reported by Bloomberg, drawing insights from “sources close to the discussions.”

Officials from the antitrust division and states joining Colorado’s original suit are expected to advise Judge Mehta on Wednesday to implement data licensing requirements, according to Bloomberg, based on unnamed sources.

Among the states participating in the lawsuit are Tennessee, Missouri, Indiana, Texas, South Carolina, Montana, Florida, Mississippi, Wisconsin, California, Michigan, Arkansas, Washington, and Louisiana, as indicated by court documents.

The next status hearing for this case is slated for November 26, based on the District of Columbia court schedule.

Implications of Google Chrome’s potential sale

Google Chrome currently holds 61% of the U.S. browser market share, as per data from StatCounter. Meanwhile, Google Search commands over 88% of the U.S. search engine market, according to the same firm.

Furthermore, Google leverages Chrome to funnel users toward Gemini, its leading AI offering, which is evolving from a simple answer bot into an interactive assistant for users across the web, reported Bloomberg.

Mehta’s memorandum remarks that “the incorporation of generative AI illustrates how competition enhances search quality.”

If the sale proceeds, analysts from Bloomberg Intelligence suggest that Chrome could have a valuation of “at least $15-20 billion, given its more than 3 billion monthly users.”

However, Bob O’Donnell of TECHnalysis Research commented on Bloomberg that, “Chrome isn’t directly monetizable; it acts as a gateway to other services. It’s uncertain how to quantify that from a strictly revenue standpoint.”

Google decries DOJ’s ‘radical agenda’

Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google’s vice president of regulatory affairs, conveyed to Yahoo Finance that the Justice Department “continues to pursue a radical agenda that transcends the legal challenges of this case.”

Mulholland asserted, “The government’s intervention in such manners would be detrimental to consumers, developers, and the leadership of American tech at a time when it is sorely needed.”

During his initial term, former President Donald Trump oversaw the Justice Department’s antitrust lawsuit against Google in 2020, alleging the company employed illegal strategies to dominate search engines. It remains uncertain if Trump will maintain his backing for the DOJ’s actions against Google.