US antitrust trial sees Google defend Chrome and data control

Google has warned that proposed remedies in the ongoing US antitrust case, including a possible sell-off of Chrome, could expose users to data breaches and national security threats. Arguing that Google’s infrastructure is key to protecting Chrome against rising cyberattacks.

Google cited past breaches to emphasise the risks of moving such tools to buyers lacking similar security standards. The Justice Department, however, maintains that breaking up Google’s dominance would encourage fairer competition.

Proposals include banning exclusive deals, sharing user data to support rivals, and enabling Apple or others to shift default search settings. An economic expert testified these remedies could reduce Google’s market share from 88% to 51%, though full impact would take years to materialise.

Judge Amit Mehta raised concerns that dismantling Google’s monopoly might simply replace it with another, such as Microsoft. Google CEO Sundar Pichai is set to testify next, as the case continues through 9 May in the US .

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