Key Points
- The DOJ dropped its proposal for Google to sell its investments in AI companies, including Anthropic.
- The agency is still seeking a court order for Google to divest its Chrome browser and implement other antitrust measures.
- Prosecutors argue that the measures protect American values, such as free speech and competitive markets.
- The remaining proposals are scheduled for trial in April as the DOJ continues its broader antitrust efforts against Big Tech.
On Friday, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) dropped its proposal to force Alphabet’s Google to divest its investments in artificial intelligence companies, including Anthropic, a rival to OpenAI. This decision comes as part of an ongoing effort to boost competition in online search. However, the DOJ and a coalition of 38 state attorneys general still seek a court order that would require Google to sell its Chrome browser and implement additional measures to address what a judge has described as an illegal search monopoly.
In court filings in Washington, prosecutors underscored that the American ideal is built on values beyond merely accessing cheap goods and free online services. They argued that the nation should uphold freedom of speech, association, innovation, and competition, principles they believe are undermined by the monopolistic practices of dominant tech companies. Although the proposal to force Google to sell its AI investments has been dropped, prosecutors continue to pressure the company to disclose future investments in generative AI technologies by requiring prior notice to the government.
A Google spokesperson dismissed the sweeping proposals as excessively far-reaching, arguing that they would harm American consumers, the economy, and national security. Meanwhile, Anthropic, in a statement filed with the court earlier in February, warned that losing Google’s minority stake—a position valued in the billions—would give a competitive edge to OpenAI and its partner Microsoft.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly signaled his intention to continue his crackdown on Big Tech, an approach he began during his first term and has persisted under President Joe Biden. Trump has appointed veteran antitrust attorney Gail Slater to lead the DOJ’s efforts in this area.
In a twist, Google has proposed to ease its default search engine arrangements with companies like Apple. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta has set the trial on these proposals for April. This case is one of several high-profile antitrust actions against major technology firms, with Apple, Meta, and Amazon also facing similar allegations.
