Today, Chrome accounts for 51% of the browser market in the U.S., while Apple Safari has a 33% share, followed by Microsoft Edge at 7.6%, according to Statcounter. But search figures reveal the power of Google. Between September 2023 and August 2024, Google Search had market shares of 95% and 76% percent in the mobile and desktop segments, respectively. The only real movement in the market has been Microsoft’s Bing search engine which has increased its share of internet searches from about 10% to 18.5% since it integrated ChatGPT 4 in March 2023.

This decision, if upheld in court, limits Google’s use of AI in search, prevents Google from paying third parties like Apple to make Google Search the default search engine in its operating system, and compels Google to share proprietary information, including user search queries, with other companies and the government over the next 10 years.

In a response to the ruling, Kent Walker, president of global affairs for Google & Alphabet, wrote on a company blog, “DOJ’s approach would result in unprecedented government overreach that would harm American consumers, developers, and small businesses — and jeopardize America’s global economic and technological leadership at precisely the moment it’s needed most.”

The trial is set to begin in April 2025.

For Chrome’s millions of users, the DOJ’s proposed breakup raises several questions about the browser’s future. Would Chrome remain the fast, seamless and feature-rich tool you’ve come to depend on? Or would a change of ownership mean slower updates, reduced innovation and a less integrated experience?

The DOJ intends to ensure Chrome remains functional post-sale by setting up an oversight committee, but there are risks. Without Google’s resources, Chrome may struggle to keep pace with rivals, especially in areas like security updates and cutting-edge features. Furthermore, the DOJ’s prohibition on Google re-entering the browser market for five years means Chrome’s original creators won’t be part of its evolution.

The browser’s separation from Google could also mean fewer default integrations, such as syncing bookmarks and passwords with other Google services. While this might open doors for would-be competitors, it would disrupt workflows for users accustomed to Google’s ecosystem.

Google was not the first browser to be widely used in the U.S. In fact, Chrome launched in 2008 to a crowded browser market dominated by Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox. In four years, it became the most popular browser, surpassing Microsoft’s Internet Explorer – no small feat for a newcomer. Chrome was faster, had a cleaner user interface and introduced features that internet users found useful.

Chrome distinguished itself with a faster browsing experience, a minimalist interface and frequent updates that prioritized user needs. Further, Chrome, Search, Gmail, YouTube and other services were tightly integrated, creating a comprehensive user experience.

The company pioneered in-browser security, introducing Safe Browsing in 2007 as one of its earliest anti-malware efforts, and it made this available for free to other companies, including Safari and Firefox. For search, Google invented the PageRank algorithm that helped level the playing field among large and small businesses. It also was the first to provide image search and Google Suggest (an autocomplete function in Search).

If the DOJ’s breakup succeeds, many users may start exploring alternatives. But are there any browsers that rival Chrome? Among the current market leaders, Mozilla Firefox, known for its commitment to privacy and open-source development, is an option. However, it has been losing market share and lacks some of Chrome’s speed and integration. Then there’s Microsoft Edge, which uses Google’s Chromium engine and offers similar speed and features, but Edge is integrated with Bing, a search engine that’s simply not as robust as Google. Finally, there is Apple Safari, which is an excellent browser but is available only to iOS users.

The DOJ’s proposal to break up Google Chrome marks a turning point in the battle over big tech’s power. While the changes may take years to materialize, they could reshape how we interact with the web. The outcome of the trial will not only determine Chrome’s future but could also set a precedent for how governments regulate dominant platforms in the AI and digital era.

Leslie Meredith has been writing about technology for more than a decade. As a mom of four, value, usefulness, and online safety take priority. Have a question? Email Leslie at asklesliemeredith@gmail.com.