Google’s Chrome browser, with over 3 billion users, could be worth up to $20 billion if antitrust regulators succeed in forcing its sale, according to Bloomberg News. This estimate reflects Chrome’s dominant position in the market and its integral role in Google’s broader ecosystem.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) argues that Chrome’s market dominance is anti-competitive and intends to request a federal judge to order its divestiture from Google’s parent company, Alphabet. Chrome holds a 61% share of the browser market, and its integration with Google’s advertising services, where user data is vital for targeted ads, is a key factor in its valuation. The browser also plays a central role in distributing Google’s AI products.
Potential buyers of Chrome face challenges, as industry experts suggest that while tech giants like Amazon could afford such a purchase, they would likely face significant regulatory scrutiny. AI firms, such as OpenAI, might present more viable options, potentially using Chrome to expand their advertising capabilities. However, the browser is seen as a non-directly monetizable asset, serving more as a gateway to Google’s other services.
Google opposes the sale, arguing that it would stifle innovation. While the company does not disclose Chrome’s specific revenue, user data from the browser is crucial to Google’s advertising revenue stream.
This move follows a ruling by Judge Amit Mehta in August 2023, in which Google was found to have illegally monopolized the search market. The judge will consider potential remedies during a two-week hearing in April 2024, with a final decision expected by August 2025.
