The DOJ could force Google to sell Chrome and detach Android

Why it matters: The biggest antitrust case in decades might result in a corporate breakup that could fundamentally alter the web browsing and mobile software landscapes. Although the proceedings are far from settled, a report indicates that officials desire a major crackdown on Google.

Confidential sources have told Bloomberg that the Department of Justice will ask a judge to force Google to sell its Chrome browser and unbundle the Android mobile operating system from its device software packages. The search and advertising giant plans to fight the possible decision as next year's remedy hearings approach.

Following a lengthy trial, a US judge in August declared that the company illegally monopolized the search engine market by leveraging its dominant position and paying other tech companies billions to make Google the default search engine on numerous devices. Payments to companies like Apple, Samsung, and Mozilla, totaling over $20 billion annually, edged ...