The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has reiterated its call for Google to divest its popular Chrome web browser, according to a recent court filing. This move is part of the ongoing antitrust battle between the DOJ and the tech giant, which has been accused of maintaining an illegal monopoly in online search.

The DOJ first proposed the divestiture of Chrome last year, under the Biden administration, and it appears that the department is sticking to its plan under the current Trump administration. The proposal is aimed at addressing Google's alleged anti-competitive practices, which the DOJ claims have created an "economic goliath" that dominates the marketplace.

In its filing, the DOJ emphasized that Google's "illegal conduct" has resulted in a lack of competition in the online search market, allowing the company to "wreak havoc" on the marketplace and ensure its own success at the expense of others. The department is seeking to rectify this situation by forcing Google to divest Chrome, which it believes will promote competition and innovation in the browser market.

Notably, the DOJ has backed down on its initial demand for Google to divest all its investments in artificial intelligence, including its significant stake in Anthropic. Instead, the department is now seeking "prior notification for future investments" in AI, a move that suggests a more nuanced approach to regulating Google's activities in this area.

The DOJ's proposal also includes a prohibition on search-related payments to distribution partners, which the department believes will help level the playing field for competitors. Furthermore, the department has left the door open for Google to divest its Android operating system in the future, depending on whether the market becomes more competitive.

Google has responded to the DOJ's proposal by offering an alternative solution, which it claims will address the department's concerns by providing partners with more flexibility. However, the DOJ remains skeptical, and the two parties are set to argue their cases in court in April. A Google spokesperson has criticized the DOJ's "sweeping proposals," which they claim will "harm America's consumers, economy, and national security."

The ongoing antitrust battle between the DOJ and Google has significant implications for the tech industry as a whole. If the DOJ is successful in its efforts, it could lead to a more competitive landscape in online search and browsers, potentially paving the way for new entrants and innovations. However, the outcome of the case remains uncertain, and it will be closely watched by industry observers and policymakers alike.

In the meantime, the fate of Chrome and Google's other businesses hangs in the balance. As the case continues to unfold, it will be important to monitor developments and assess their potential impact on the tech industry and beyond.