The U.S. move to force Google, owned by Alphabet, to divest parts of its business, including Chrome and Android, is a landmark decision with global implications. This isn’t just another case of antitrust action; Google’s dominance reaches across the world. Owning both the leading mobile operating system and one of the most popular web browsers has made Google the backbone of the internet, with billions interacting with its services daily, sharing data, and relying on its platforms.

The consolidation of so much global data under one U.S.-based company raises significant concerns, especially as tech companies increasingly serve national interests. A breakup could democratize the internet, fostering competition that might lead to cheaper, more consumer-friendly services. It could also weaken the potential for this power to be exploited.

This case sets a precedent that might lead to further scrutiny of other tech giants. Twitter (now X) and Meta, with its control over platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Snapchat, could also face similar challenges to their monopolistic hold over communications and social media.

As tech giants grow more powerful, the risk of their influence being weaponized increases. Recent partnerships, such as Amazon’s involvement with Israel or Meta’s cooperation with intelligence services, show the troubling potential for this power to be used in geopolitical conflicts. The world must address this concentration of power before it is further exploited.