Google is preparing to add advanced artificial intelligence features to its Chrome browser, allowing Gemini AI to help users browse websites, manage tasks, post online and even shop. The update will introduce a new AI-powered side panel in Chrome, marking one of Google’s biggest changes to how people use the browser.According to Google, the new features are designed to make browsing more productive by letting AI assist users directly, without switching tabs or apps.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We’re introducing major updates to Gemini in <a href="https://twitter.com/googlechrome?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GoogleChrome</a> for MacOS, Windows and Chromebook Plus. Built on Gemini 3, our most intelligent model, these powerful new AI features can help you multitask more easily and get the most out of the web 🧵 <a href="https://t.co/OxwTdrUrDy">pic.twitter.com/OxwTdrUrDy</a>&mdash; Google (@Google) <a href="https://twitter.com/Google/status/2016575105346773297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Gemini AI side panel comes to Chrome</h2>Google says Gemini AI will soon appear in a dedicated side panel inside Chrome on macOS, Windows and Chromebooks. This will allow users to ask questions, summarise web pages, check emails or manage calendars while staying on the same page.The side panel will be powered by Gemini 3 and can pull information from across the web. Users can ask it to explain articles, organise information or help with daily tasks such as planning schedules. According to Google’s Chrome team, this feature is meant to act like an assistant that works quietly alongside regular browsing.&nbsp;<h2>Connected Apps and personalised browsing</h2>Gemini in Chrome will also support Google’s Connected Apps system. This allows the AI to work with services like Gmail, Google Calendar, Maps and YouTube, if users choose to enable it. For example, Gemini could read an email about an event, check calendar availability and suggest travel options.Google is also introducing an optional feature called Personal Intelligence. This allows Gemini to remember context from earlier conversations to give more relevant answers over time. The company says this feature will be turned off by default and users will need to opt in.Another tool, called Nano Banana, will let users edit or transform images directly in the browser using AI, without downloading or uploading files elsewhere.&nbsp;<h2>Chrome auto-browse&nbsp;</h2>One of the most notable additions is Chrome auto-browse, an agentic AI feature that can perform actions for users. Google says this tool will be able to research topics, fill forms, post on social media, manage subscriptions and collect service quotes, such as from plumbers or electricians.Auto-browse will also support online shopping. Using Google’s Universal Commerce Protocol, Gemini AI will be able to search products and complete purchases on behalf of users. Payments and actions will still require user approval.This feature will first be available to AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in the United States.&nbsp;<h2>What this means for everyday browsing</h2>Google’s move shows how browsers are shifting from simple tools into AI-powered assistants. By embedding Gemini directly into Chrome, the company aims to reduce the need for separate apps and manual searching.While Google has not shared an exact rollout date, the company says these features will begin appearing gradually. As AI takes a bigger role inside browsers, Chrome could soon move from helping users find information to actively getting things done for th

Google is adding Gemini AI to Chrome, introducing an AI side panel that can browse, summarise pages, manage emails, post online and shop on users’ behalf. The update turns Chrome into an AI assistant, with agentic auto-browse features coming first to paid users.

Google is preparing to add advanced artificial intelligence features to its Chrome browser, allowing Gemini AI to help users browse websites, manage tasks, post online and even shop. The update will introduce a new AI-powered side panel in Chrome, marking one of Google’s biggest changes to how people use the browser. According to Google, the new features are designed to make browsing more productive by letting AI assist users directly, without switching tabs or apps.

Google is adding Gemini AI to Chrome, introducing an AI side panel that can browse, summarise pages, manage emails, post online and shop on users’ behalf. The update turns Chrome into an AI assistant, with agentic auto-browse features coming first to paid users.

Google is bringing agentic AI to Chrome that will let Gemini AI browse, post, and shop for you

So, Google won't have to split its Chrome browser into a separate entity, at least for now. That is a blow for those who were hoping that the US Department of Justice (DOJ) would cleave off Google’s search empire by forcing a sell-off of its flagship browser. The DOJ rejected the spinoff idea despite a federal judge confirming Google’s illegal monopoly in online search. Once again, Google has escaped with its core power structures intact. The reason may lie in its lesser-known Chromium project. Here is what you should know.<h2>Why didn’t the DOJ agree to split off Chrome from Google?</h2>The reason appears to be how complex, messy, and potentially disruptive it would be for users if Chrome—the browser used by two-thirds of global internet users—were to be divested from Google. The DOJ ruling issued on Tuesday (Sep 2) is less about protecting users and more about institutional caution in the face of unprecedented corporate power.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/perplexity-ai-makes-bold-34-5-billion-offer-to-acquire-google-chrome-amid-antitrust-scrutiny-1755069659262">Also read: Perplexity AI makes bold $34.5 billion offer to acquire Google Chrome amid antitrust scrutiny</a><h2>Chrome is the hidden engine of Google’s monopoly</h2>While Chrome does not directly generate massive revenue, it funnels hundreds of billions of dollars into Google’s ecosystem by ensuring users stay locked into its services—especially Search. In the third quarter of 2024 alone, Google earned $49.4 billion through search advertising.Chrome is not just another browser; it is the gateway to Google’s ad empire—the cash cow.<h2>How big is the Chrome browser?</h2>Chrome currently commands a dominant 66 per cent share of the global browser market. In the United States alone, it handles over 51 per cent of browser traffic. The only real competition—browsers like Safari, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge—are far behind.In fact, many of these "competitors" benefit from their ties to Google. Apple reportedly receives around $20 billion annually from Google to keep Google Search as the default on Safari. Mozilla, which develops Firefox browser, earns approximately $500 million per year from a similar search deal—making it financially dependent on Google.Chrome is also deeply integrated into Google's larger ecosystem: Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Calendar, and others. For most users, using Chrome is not an informed choice: It is simply the default.Then there’s Chromium. You may not have heard of it—but you should. Here's why.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/openai-to-release-ai-powered-web-browser-challenge-google-chrome-1752092117457">Also read: OpenAI to release AI-powered web browser, challenge Google Chrome</a><h2>What is Chromium, the puppet master enabling and sustaining Chrome’s dominance?</h2>Even if Google were forced to sell Chrome, its power wouldn't be significantly reduced because it owns and controls Chromium—the open-source browser engine that powers Chrome and other major browsers such as Microsoft Edge, Opera, Brave, and Samsung Internet.Chromium is the backbone of over 70 per cent of browsers in use worldwide. To use an analogy: imagine Exxon no longer sells petrol but still owns the pipeline infrastructure used by all other oil companies. That is what Chromium is in the browser ecosystem.Though Chromium is technically open-source, Google funds and controls its development. Other browsers can build their features and interfaces on top of it, but ultimately, Google determines the roadmap and architecture. This gives Google enormous influence over how the internet functions.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ai-startup-makes-34-5-billion-bid-for-google-s-chrome-browser-1755105185231/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/ai-startup-makes-34-5-billion-bid-for-google-s-chrome-browser-1755105185231/embed</a>For example, the controversial "Manifest V3" update pushed through Chromium restricts ad blockers across all Chromium-based browsers. This reinforces Google’s advertising business while weakening privacy-focused competitors.So, even if Chrome were sold to a new company, Chromium would continue to tie other browsers to Google’s development direction. Competitors like Edge or Opera are merely passengers on Google’s technological ship.Rivals like Firefox and Safari, which use their own rendering engines (Gecko and WebKit, respectively), often face compatibility issues. Many websites today are optimised specifically for Chromium, leading to slower performance or broken features on non-Chromium browsers.And Google pays to keep it that way. Apple continues to receive massive sums to maintain Google Search as the default. Mozilla’s revenue is largely funded by Google. In other words, even the “competition” is financially tethered to the monopoly.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/google-keeps-chrome-us-judge-asks-it-to-share-data-advantage-to-ai-rivals-1756877061381">Also read: Google keeps Chrome, US judge asks it to share data; advantage&nbsp;to AI rivals</a><h2>Then, why did the DOJ miss the opportunity to curb the Chrome monopoly?</h2>Judge Amit Mehta’s reasoning was that forcing Google to divest Chrome would be risky and could potentially harm consumers. Chrome is tightly integrated into Google’s infrastructure—for example, through Sync, Safe Browsing, and automated updates. A new owner might struggle to ensure a seamless user experience.In addition, the DOJ’s antitrust lawsuit specifically targeted Google’s control over “search distribution,” not browser ownership. As a result, Mehta concluded that a forced sale of Chrome would go beyond the scope of the case.Instead of breaking up the company, the court’s remedies involve banning exclusive default agreements (like Google’s deals with Apple), requiring Google to share its search data with rival companies, and allowing the market to “self-correct” over time.<h2>But we’ve been here before: How the US failed to rein in Microsoft</h2>In the early 2000s, the DOJ took Microsoft to court for bundling its then-dominant browser, Internet Explorer, with its Windows operating system. After years of litigation, the final ruling resulted in minor behavioural remedies. Microsoft’s market dominance continued for nearly a decade.It wasn’t until Google Chrome entered the market that Internet Explorer’s hold was broken. Microsoft eventually shut it down and launched Edge, which, ironically, is now based on Chromium.Taking on Google is even more difficult. It doesn't just control a browser. It owns the browser (Chrome), the engine (Chromium), the search engine (Google Search), the ad platform (AdSense), the cloud (Google Cloud), and the emerging AI infrastructure (Gemini)—all under one corporate roof.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/google-chrome-emerges-as-the-most-vulnerable-browser-in-2022-report-523315">Also read: Is Google Chrome really the 'most vulnerable' browser?</a><h2>Google gets a rap on the wrist—but is it too little, too late?</h2>The DOJ’s decision to block exclusive deals and mandate data-sharing may slow Google down, but it does not dismantle the structural monopoly. Chrome continues to funnel users into Google Search. Chromium ensures that all other browsers either comply or face a technical disadvantage. And Google earns ad revenue from nearly every search, regardless of the browser used.<h2>It’s nearly impossible to regulate open-source infrastructure—and that’s how Google wins</h2>Open-source code is used by both commercial and non-profit ventures. Legally regulating it—especially something as complex as Chromium—is a minefield. That makes it nearly impossible for regulators to directly curb Google’s influence through this route.As of now, Google walks away practically untouched. Its ad pipeline remains intact. Its browser remains unbroken. Its “competitors” remain tethered to its ecosystem.Chrome is not just a browser. It’s a gateway. A control mechanism. A way to shape how billions of people access and experience the internet.Allowing Chrome to remain under Google’s wing and leaving Chromium untouched may be a de facto endorsement of the modern monopoly. Perhaps the real issue is that regulators—trained for 20th-century industrial monopolies—are ill-equipped to handle digital platforms built on open-source, distributed, and technically complex foundations.Google isn’t an oil baron or a railroad tycoon. It’s something new. And until regulators develop the tools to address this new kind of monopoly, Google will continue to dominate—unshaken and unchallenged.

The US Justice Department’s refusal to split the Chrome browser may look like a compromise, but Google’s grip on the web remains ironclad. Its open-source browser architecture, under the project known as Chromium, is the reason it got away. Here’s what you should know.

So, Google won't have to split its Chrome browser into a separate entity, at least for now. That is a blow for those who were hoping that the US Department of Justice (DOJ) would cleave off Google’s search empire by forcing a sell-off of its flagship browser. The DOJ rejected the spinoff idea despite a federal judge confirming Google’s illegal monopoly in online search. Once again, Google has escaped with its core power structures intact. The reason may lie in its lesser-known Chromium project. Here is what you should know. Why didn’t the DOJ agree to split off Chrome from Google? The reason appears to be how complex, messy, and potentially disruptive it would be for users if Chrome—the browser used by two-thirds of global internet users—were to be divested from Google. The DOJ ruling issued on Tuesday (Sep 2) is less about protecting users and more about institutional caution in the face of unprecedented corporate power. Also read: Perplexity AI makes bold $34.5 billion offer to acquire Google Chrome amid antitrust scrutiny Chrome is the hidden engine of Google’s monopoly While Chrome does not directly generate massive revenue, it funnels hundreds of billions of dollars into Google’s ecosystem by ensuring users stay locked into its services—especially Search. In the third quarter of 2024 alone, Google earned $49.4 billion through search advertising. Chrome is not just another browser; it is the gateway to Google’s ad empire—the cash cow. How big is the Chrome browser? Chrome currently commands a dominant 66 per cent share of the global browser market. In the United States alone, it handles over 51 per cent of browser traffic. The only real competition—browsers like Safari, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge—are far behind. In fact, many of these "competitors" benefit from their ties to Google. Apple reportedly receives around $20 billion annually from Google to keep Google Search as the default on Safari. Mozilla, which develops Firefox browser, earns approximately $500 million per year from a similar search deal—making it financially dependent on Google. Chrome is also deeply integrated into Google's larger ecosystem: Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Calendar, and others. For most users, using Chrome is not an informed choice: It is simply the default. Then there’s Chromium. You may not have heard of it—but you should. Here's why. Also read: OpenAI to release AI-powered web browser, challenge Google Chrome What is Chromium, the puppet master enabling and sustaining Chrome’s dominance? Even if Google were forced to sell Chrome, its power wouldn't be significantly reduced because it owns and controls Chromium—the open-source browser engine that powers Chrome and other major browsers such as Microsoft Edge, Opera, Brave, and Samsung Internet. Chromium is the backbone of over 70 per cent of browsers in use worldwide. To use an analogy: imagine Exxon no longer sells petrol but still owns the pipeline infrastructure used by all other oil companies. That is what Chromium is in the browser ecosystem. Though Chromium is technically open-source, Google funds and controls its development. Other browsers can build their features and interfaces on top of it, but ultimately, Google determines the roadmap and architecture. This gives Google enormous influence over how the internet functions. https://www.wionews.com/videos/ai-startup-makes-34-5-billion-bid-for-google-s-chrome-browser-1755105185231/embed For example, the controversial "Manifest V3" update pushed through Chromium restricts ad blockers across all Chromium-based browsers. This reinforces Google’s advertising business while weakening privacy-focused competitors. So, even if Chrome were sold to a new company, Chromium would continue to tie other browsers to Google’s development direction. Competitors like Edge or Opera are merely passengers on Google’s technological ship. Rivals like Firefox and Safari, which use their own rendering engines (Gecko and WebKit, respectively), often face compatibility issues. Many websites today are optimised specifically for Chromium, leading to slower performance or broken features on non-Chromium browsers. And Google pays to keep it that way. Apple continues to receive massive sums to maintain Google Search as the default. Mozilla’s revenue is largely funded by Google. In other words, even the “competition” is financially tethered to the monopoly. Also read: Google keeps Chrome, US judge asks it to share data; advantage to AI rivals Then, why did the DOJ miss the opportunity to curb the Chrome monopoly? Judge Amit Mehta’s reasoning was that forcing Google to divest Chrome would be risky and could potentially harm consumers. Chrome is tightly integrated into Google’s infrastructure—for example, through Sync, Safe Browsing, and automated updates. A new owner might struggle to ensure a seamless user experience. In addition, the DOJ’s antitrust lawsuit specifically targeted Google’s control over “search distribution,” not browser ownership. As a result, Mehta concluded that a forced sale of Chrome would go beyond the scope of the case. Instead of breaking up the company, the court’s remedies involve banning exclusive default agreements (like Google’s deals with Apple), requiring Google to share its search data with rival companies, and allowing the market to “self-correct” over time. But we’ve been here before: How the US failed to rein in Microsoft In the early 2000s, the DOJ took Microsoft to court for bundling its then-dominant browser, Internet Explorer, with its Windows operating system. After years of litigation, the final ruling resulted in minor behavioural remedies. Microsoft’s market dominance continued for nearly a decade. It wasn’t until Google Chrome entered the market that Internet Explorer’s hold was broken. Microsoft eventually shut it down and launched Edge, which, ironically, is now based on Chromium. Taking on Google is even more difficult. It doesn't just control a browser. It owns the browser (Chrome), the engine (Chromium), the search engine (Google Search), the ad platform (AdSense), the cloud (Google Cloud), and the emerging AI infrastructure (Gemini)—all under one corporate roof. Also read: Is Google Chrome really the 'most vulnerable' browser? Google gets a rap on the wrist—but is it too little, too late? The DOJ’s decision to block exclusive deals and mandate data-sharing may slow Google down, but it does not dismantle the structural monopoly. Chrome continues to funnel users into Google Search. Chromium ensures that all other browsers either comply or face a technical disadvantage. And Google earns ad revenue from nearly every search, regardless of the browser used. It’s nearly impossible to regulate open-source infrastructure—and that’s how Google wins Open-source code is used by both commercial and non-profit ventures. Legally regulating it—especially something as complex as Chromium—is a minefield. That makes it nearly impossible for regulators to directly curb Google’s influence through this route. As of now, Google walks away practically untouched. Its ad pipeline remains intact. Its browser remains unbroken. Its “competitors” remain tethered to its ecosystem. Chrome is not just a browser. It’s a gateway. A control mechanism. A way to shape how billions of people access and experience the internet. Allowing Chrome to remain under Google’s wing and leaving Chromium untouched may be a de facto endorsement of the modern monopoly. Perhaps the real issue is that regulators—trained for 20th-century industrial monopolies—are ill-equipped to handle digital platforms built on open-source, distributed, and technically complex foundations. Google isn’t an oil baron or a railroad tycoon. It’s something new. And until regulators develop the tools to address this new kind of monopoly, Google will continue to dominate—unshaken and unchallenged.

The US Justice Department’s refusal to split the Chrome browser may look like a compromise, but Google’s grip on the web remains ironclad. Its open-source browser architecture, under the project known as Chromium, is the reason it got away. Here’s what you should know.

Google IS a monopoly, but US can't touch it: Chrome escaped breakup partly due to Chromium. But what is it?

The US government on Wednesday (Nov 20) called for a breakup of Google and Chrome, asking a judge to order the dismantling by ordering the tech giant to sell its popular browser.

In an escalation of the major antitrust crackdown on the internet giant, a court filing by the US Department of Justice urged for a shake-up of Google. The proposals reportedly include banning Google deal to be&nbsp;the default search engine on smartphones and possibly requiring Google to sell Android.

<h2>Why sell Android?</h2>

Antitrust officials said that the tech giant should be made to sell Android if the proposed remedies don't prevent it from exploiting its control of the Android mobile operating system.

It&nbsp;suggested remedies to dismantle what it views as Google's monopolistic stranglehold on the internet&nbsp;

- Ending default search deals: Google would no longer be allowed to pay companies like Apple to make its search engine the default on devices.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-google-agree-to-sell-its-chrome-browser-as-us-govt-raises-monopoly-concerns-777485">Will Google agree to sell its Chrome browser as US govt raises monopoly&nbsp;concerns?</a>

- Selling Chrome: By controlling the browser market, the DOJ argues, Google strengthens its grip on search and user data.&nbsp;

- Potential Android sale.

These DOJ recommendations come after an August judgement by Judge Amit Mehta who ruled that Google by maintaining a monopoly on the search engine market, had violated laws.

<h2>Google fires back</h2>

Slamming the US government proposal, Google president of global affairs Kent Walker said Justice officials "chose to push a radical interventionist agenda".

These remedies "would break a range of Google products" and undermine the company's investment in technologies like artificial intelligence, Walker said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/will-google-be-forced-to-sell-chrome-the-worlds-most-used-web-browser-decision-likely-soon-777620">Will Google be forced to sell Chrome, the world's most-used web browser? Decision likely soon</a>

"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," he added.

Meanwhile, Adam Kovacevich, head of the industry group Chamber of Progress, dismissed the government’s demands as "fantastical" and in defiance of legal standards.

Even if the Judge orders Google's breakup, the road ahead is long. Google is expected to appeal, potentially dragging the case to the US Supreme Court.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The US government on Wednesday (Nov 20) called for a breakup of Google and Chrome, asking a judge to order the dismantling by ordering the tech giant to sell its popular browser.

The US government on Wednesday (Nov 20) called for a breakup of Google and Chrome, asking a judge to order the dismantling by ordering the tech giant to sell its popular browser. In an escalation of the major antitrust crackdown on the internet giant, a court filing by the US Department of Justice urged for a shake-up of Google. The proposals reportedly include banning Google deal to be the default search engine on smartphones and possibly requiring Google to sell Android. Why sell Android? Antitrust officials said that the tech giant should be made to sell Android if the proposed remedies don't prevent it from exploiting its control of the Android mobile operating system. It suggested remedies to dismantle what it views as Google's monopolistic stranglehold on the internet - Ending default search deals: Google would no longer be allowed to pay companies like Apple to make its search engine the default on devices. Also read | Will Google agree to sell its Chrome browser as US govt raises monopoly concerns? - Selling Chrome: By controlling the browser market, the DOJ argues, Google strengthens its grip on search and user data. - Potential Android sale. These DOJ recommendations come after an August judgement by Judge Amit Mehta who ruled that Google by maintaining a monopoly on the search engine market, had violated laws. Google fires back Slamming the US government proposal, Google president of global affairs Kent Walker said Justice officials "chose to push a radical interventionist agenda". These remedies "would break a range of Google products" and undermine the company's investment in technologies like artificial intelligence, Walker said. Also read | Will Google be forced to sell Chrome, the world's most-used web browser? Decision likely soon "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," he added. Meanwhile, Adam Kovacevich, head of the industry group Chamber of Progress, dismissed the government’s demands as "fantastical" and in defiance of legal standards. Even if the Judge orders Google's breakup, the road ahead is long. Google is expected to appeal, potentially dragging the case to the US Supreme Court. (With inputs from agencies)

US government pushes for Google to sell Chrome in antitrust case

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has officially planned to ask a judge to force Google to sell the world's most popular web browser, Chrome, to take down the monopoly.&nbsp;

Last month, the US justice department filed court papers, saying it was considering enforcing “structural remedies” to prevent Google from using some of its products.

According to a report by Bloomberg, the DOJ will propose the measure to a judge on Wednesday (Nov 20).&nbsp;

In August, Judge Amit Mehta ruled Google operates an online search monopoly and has been considering what penalties he could impose.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/google-hit-with-rs-26172-crore-fine-after-15-year-legal-battle-with-uk-couple-771607">Also read:&nbsp;Google hit with Rs 26,172 crore fine after 15-year legal battle with UK couple</a>

Furthermore, Google will also be asked to establish new measures around its artificial intelligence, Android operating system, and use of data.

<h2>'Pushing radical agenda'</h2>

In response to the plans, Google criticised the DOJ’s move. "The DOJ continues to push a radical agenda that goes far beyond the legal issues in this case," said Google executive Lee-Anne Mulholland in a statement.

"The government putting its thumb on the scale in these ways would harm consumers, developers and American technological leadership at precisely the moment it is most needed,” Mulholland added.

Google's Chrome is the most used browser worldwide, with its web traffic tracker Similarweb placing its global market share at 64.61 per cent last month (October).

Watch |&nbsp;Russia Fines Google $20,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,0

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-fines-google-200000000000000000000000000000000-772626/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

In a ruling in August, Judge Mehta said that the default search engine was "extremely valuable real estate" for Google.

"Even if a new entrant were positioned from a quality standpoint to bid for the default when an agreement expires, such a firm could compete only if it were prepared to pay partners upwards of billions of dollars in revenue share," he added.

Last month, the DOJ also stated that it would be considering seeking a break-up of Google.

Potential remedies "that would prevent Google from using products such as Chrome, Play [its app store], and Android to advantage Google search and Google search-related products" were among its considerations, the DOJ had said at the time.

Moreover, in October, it also said that Google's conduct had resulted in "pernicious harms" to users and that the importance of restoring competition to a market that was "indispensable" could not be overstated.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has officially planned to ask a judge to force Google to sell the world's most popular web browser, Chrome, to take down the monopoly.

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has officially planned to ask a judge to force Google to sell the world's most popular web browser, Chrome, to take down the monopoly. Last month, the US justice department filed court papers, saying it was considering enforcing “structural remedies” to prevent Google from using some of its products. According to a report by Bloomberg, the DOJ will propose the measure to a judge on Wednesday (Nov 20). In August, Judge Amit Mehta ruled Google operates an online search monopoly and has been considering what penalties he could impose. Also read: Google hit with Rs 26,172 crore fine after 15-year legal battle with UK couple Furthermore, Google will also be asked to establish new measures around its artificial intelligence, Android operating system, and use of data. 'Pushing radical agenda' In response to the plans, Google criticised the DOJ’s move. "The DOJ continues to push a radical agenda that goes far beyond the legal issues in this case," said Google executive Lee-Anne Mulholland in a statement. "The government putting its thumb on the scale in these ways would harm consumers, developers and American technological leadership at precisely the moment it is most needed,” Mulholland added. Google's Chrome is the most used browser worldwide, with its web traffic tracker Similarweb placing its global market share at 64.61 per cent last month (October). Watch | Russia Fines Google $20,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,0 × In a ruling in August, Judge Mehta said that the default search engine was "extremely valuable real estate" for Google. "Even if a new entrant were positioned from a quality standpoint to bid for the default when an agreement expires, such a firm could compete only if it were prepared to pay partners upwards of billions of dollars in revenue share," he added. Last month, the DOJ also stated that it would be considering seeking a break-up of Google. Potential remedies "that would prevent Google from using products such as Chrome, Play [its app store], and Android to advantage Google search and Google search-related products" were among its considerations, the DOJ had said at the time. Moreover, in October, it also said that Google's conduct had resulted in "pernicious harms" to users and that the importance of restoring competition to a market that was "indispensable" could not be overstated. (With inputs from agencies)

Will Google agree to sell its Chrome browser as US govt raises monopoly concerns?

Google is planning to keep third-party cookies in its Chrome browser, it said on Monday, after years of pledging to phase out the tiny packets of code meant to track users on the internet.

The major reversal follows concerns from advertisers - the company's biggest source of income - saying the loss of cookies in the world's most popular browser will limit their ability to collect information for personalizing ads, making them dependent on Google's user databases.

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority had also scrutinized Google's plan over concerns it would impede competition in digital advertising.

"Instead of deprecating third-party cookies, we would introduce a new experience in Chrome that lets people make an informed choice that applies across their web browsing, and they'd be able to adjust that choice at any time," Anthony Chavez, vice president of the Google-backed Privacy Sandbox initiative, said in a blog post.

Since 2019, the Alphabet unit has been working on the Privacy Sandbox initiative aimed at enhancing online privacy while supporting digital businesses, with a key goal being the phase-out of third-party cookies.

Cookies are packets of information that allow websites and advertisers to identify individual web surfers and track their browsing habits, but they can also be used for unwanted surveillance.

In the European Union, the use of cookies is governed by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which stipulates that publishers secure explicit consent from users to store their cookies. Major browsers also give the option to delete cookies on command.

Chavez said Google was working with regulators such as the UK's CMA and Information Commissioner's Office as well as publishers and privacy groups on the new approach, while continuing to invest in the Privacy Sandbox program.

The announcement drew mixed reactions.

"Advertising stakeholders will no longer have to prepare to quit third-party cookies cold turkey," eMarketer analyst Evelyn Mitchell-Wolf said in a statement.

Lena Cohen, staff technologist at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, said cookies can lead to consumer harm, for instance predatory ads that target vulnerable groups. "Google's decision to continue allowing third-party cookies, despite other major browsers blocking them for years, is a direct consequence of their advertising-driven business model," Cohen said in a statement.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

Google is planning to keep third-party cookies in its Chrome browser, it said on Monday, after years of pledging to phase out the tiny packets of code meant to track users on the internet.

Google is planning to keep third-party cookies in its Chrome browser, it said on Monday, after years of pledging to phase out the tiny packets of code meant to track users on the internet. The major reversal follows concerns from advertisers - the company's biggest source of income - saying the loss of cookies in the world's most popular browser will limit their ability to collect information for personalizing ads, making them dependent on Google's user databases. The UK's Competition and Markets Authority had also scrutinized Google's plan over concerns it would impede competition in digital advertising. "Instead of deprecating third-party cookies, we would introduce a new experience in Chrome that lets people make an informed choice that applies across their web browsing, and they'd be able to adjust that choice at any time," Anthony Chavez, vice president of the Google-backed Privacy Sandbox initiative, said in a blog post. Since 2019, the Alphabet unit has been working on the Privacy Sandbox initiative aimed at enhancing online privacy while supporting digital businesses, with a key goal being the phase-out of third-party cookies. Cookies are packets of information that allow websites and advertisers to identify individual web surfers and track their browsing habits, but they can also be used for unwanted surveillance. In the European Union, the use of cookies is governed by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which stipulates that publishers secure explicit consent from users to store their cookies. Major browsers also give the option to delete cookies on command. Chavez said Google was working with regulators such as the UK's CMA and Information Commissioner's Office as well as publishers and privacy groups on the new approach, while continuing to invest in the Privacy Sandbox program. The announcement drew mixed reactions. "Advertising stakeholders will no longer have to prepare to quit third-party cookies cold turkey," eMarketer analyst Evelyn Mitchell-Wolf said in a statement. Lena Cohen, staff technologist at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, said cookies can lead to consumer harm, for instance predatory ads that target vulnerable groups. "Google's decision to continue allowing third-party cookies, despite other major browsers blocking them for years, is a direct consequence of their advertising-driven business model," Cohen said in a statement. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Google chucks plan to eliminate cookies in Chrome browser

chrome-browser

Chrome Browser, News on Chrome Browser, stories on Chrome Browser, articles on Chrome Browser, Chrome Browser stories at Wion, Chrome Browser news, Chrome Browser latest news

chrome browser

Google is bringing agentic AI to Chrome that will let Gemini AI browse, post, and shop for you

Chrome monopoly: Google just escaped having to break from its browser because...

US government pushes for Google to sell Chrome in antitrust case

Will Google agree to sell its Chrome browser as US govt raises monopoly concerns?

Google chucks plan to eliminate cookies in Chrome browser