The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is preparing to request a court order requiring Alphabet's Google to sell its Chrome browser, according to a Bloomberg News report citing sources familiar with the situation.

This move follows an August ruling in which a judge determined that Google had unlawfully monopolized the search market. The DOJ also plans to propose remedies addressing Google's artificial intelligence operations and its Android smartphone operating system, the report states.

Neither Google nor the DOJ responded immediately to Reuters' inquiries for comment.

If pursued, this would represent one of the Biden administration's most assertive actions against what it perceives as monopolistic practices by Big Tech firms.

Google has defended its practices, asserting that its search engine's popularity is due to its quality. The company also argues that it faces significant competition from platforms like Amazon and that users have the freedom to set alternative search engines as their default.

The government retains the option to determine later whether a Chrome divestiture is necessary if other proposed remedies succeed in fostering a more competitive market, according to Bloomberg.

(Sources: Bloomberg.com)