Google Faces Antitrust Trial Over Chrome and Search Practices

Today’s ESG Updates

• Google Faces Antitrust Battle Over Chrome Sale: The DOJ pushes Google to sell Chrome and share search data to restore competition in online search.
• France Bans Smoking in Public Areas to Protect Kids: New rules prohibit tobacco use in parks and near schools starting July, with fines up to €135.
• Microsoft Buys 60,000 Carbon Credits from Indigo Ag: The tech giant expands its support for regenerative agriculture to meet carbon removal goals.
• EU Plans 90% Emissions Cut by 2040 with Flexibility: Brussels proposes a tough climate target that allows buying international credits amid pushback.

Google faces antitrust pressure over Chrome sale and search practices

As the major U.S. antitrust trial against Google wraps up, the Justice Department and several states are pushing for sweeping changes, including forcing Google to sell its Chrome browser, share search data, and end payments to companies like Apple for making Google the default search engine. These measures aim to restore competition in the online search market, where Google was found to hold an illegal monopoly. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta will rule by August. OpenAI has expressed interest in acquiring Chrome and accessing Google’s search data, which it says would enhance its AI products. Google argues the demands are excessive. Companies can keep up to date on the latest developments with ESG solutions. 

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Further reading: Google and DOJ to make final push in US search antitrust case

France to ban smoking in public areas to protect children and support tobacco-free generation goal

Starting July 1, France will ban smoking in public places like beaches, parks, gardens, areas near schools, bus stops, and sports facilities as part of its National Tobacco Control Program. Health Minister Catherine Vautrin emphasized protecting children’s right to clean air, with fines up to €135 for violations. Smoking will still be allowed on café terraces, and e-cigarettes are exempt for now. Future restrictions on nicotine levels and flavors in e-cigarettes are expected by mid-2026. The initiative supports the EU’s goal of a “tobacco-free generation” by 2040, aiming for under 5% of the population using tobacco.

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Further reading: France bans smoking in parks, beaches and school zones from July

Microsoft expands carbon removal partnership with Indigo Ag through major soil credit purchase

Indigo Ag and Microsoft have announced a second carbon removal deal, with Microsoft purchasing 60,000 soil carbon credits from Indigo’s regenerative agriculture program. This builds on a previous 40,000-credit purchase and supports Microsoft’s goal to become carbon negative by 2030. Indigo helps U.S. farmers adopt practices like cover cropping and reduced tillage to sequester carbon and improve soil health. The credits, verified and registered through the Climate Action Reserve, come from Indigo’s fourth carbon crop. To date, the program has removed over 900,000 tons of CO₂ and prevented 64 billion gallons of water runoff across 28 states.

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Further Reading: Microsoft Purchases 60,000 Soil Carbon Credits from Sustainable Farming Solutions Provider Indigo

EU to propose 2040 climate target with flexibilities amid growing pushback

The European Commission will propose a 2040 climate target in July, aiming to cut EU net greenhouse gas emissions by 90% from 1990 levels. To address political and economic concerns, the plan includes flexibilities such as lower targets for domestic industries and the use of international carbon credits. The move comes amid criticism over the cost of green policies and recent delays in climate legislation. While countries like Finland, Denmark, and the Netherlands support the 90% target, others like Italy and the Czech Republic oppose it. The target is part of the EU’s path from its 2030 goal to net zero by 2050. Businesses can keep up to date with the latest targets and regulations by using ESG tools.

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Further reading: EU to propose more flexible climate goal in July, sources say

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of impakter.com — Cover Photo Credit:  Rubaitul Azad