Today’s Binary Response is in response to this article on Wired which was published a few days ago and this one from back in November published by Northeastern Global News discussing the potential remedy that would solve Google’s Search Monopoly.
One major point that seems to be getting overlooked—especially by politicians—is the role of the Chromium Project in Google’s ecosystem. Google Chrome, the web browser, is built on Chromium, which Google itself maintains. So, if regulators think they can fix the monopoly by forcing Google to sell off Chrome, they’re missing the bigger picture. Unless Google is also required to part with the Chromium project, selling Chrome won’t change much. Even if both Chrome and Chromium were sold as a package, Google could simply spin up a new browser using the same underlying technology. It is important for me to also point out that Microsoft Edge and Opera are built on Chromium, proving just how central the project has become to the web.
Both articles also note that part of the DOJ’s proposed remedy includes stopping Google from paying companies like Apple and Samsung to make it the default search engine on their devices. While this seems logical on the surface and might limit some of Google’s reach, it’s unlikely to make a major dent. That’s because most users—out of habit or preference—will just switch back to Google anyway.
So what’s the real solution to breaking up Google? I’m no expert, but in my view, the most effective remedy in both of Google’s antitrust cases would be to force the company to sell off DoubleClick and AdSense. At the very least, regulators should require Google to separate its ad business from search. Removing ads from search results and allowing only individual website owners to use Google’s ad technologies would do more to level the playing field than browser deals ever could. And yes, while ending Google’s payments to other tech giants to remain the default engine isn’t a bad move, it ultimately won’t change consumer behavior the same way having them sell off Chrome won’t.
Here’s the thing, folks: By the time any remedy is actually agreed upon—likely after President Trump leaves office—AI will likely have already transformed how we use search entirely, rendering these antitrust cases a bit pointless.
With that… I believe that Google will not be forced to sell of Chrome but it will be interesting to watch what happens and what Google is forced to do after breaking the laws in place thanks to the Clayton Act of 1914.
When you use them the question becomes: Should you root for them or regulators?