Alphabet's stock drops as DOJ seeks Google breakup

Alphabet's stock fell nearly 5% after the Justice Department confirmed it seeks to break up Google’s monopoly. The DOJ has asked a judge to force Google to sell its Chrome web browser, citing illegal practices that harm competition. The DOJ's filing claims Google has created an "economic goliath" through unfair methods, including paying partners like Apple to be the default search engine. The agency also wants Google to end its default partnerships and share data with competitors. In a change from previous requests, the DOJ no longer seeks to force Google to sell its AI investments but wants advance notice for future AI investments. Hearings will take place in April, with a decision expected this summer.