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Google spared from ad-business breakup, but judge orders changes to how itoperates
A federal judge ruled that Google can retain its ad business despite antitrust lawsuits, but must modify practices to promote competition. While previous court decisions deemed Google’s practices as monopolistic, specific divestiture orders were rejected. The judge mandated changes, although specifics remain undisclosed, allowing Google to claim a partial victory in maintaining its advertising dominance.
Key points
- The Justice Department initiated antitrust lawsuits against Google for monopolistic practices in 2020 and 2023.
- In 2024, a court ruled that Google's search business operated as an illegal monopoly.
- Subsequently, the court upheld that Google's ad-tech business also functioned illegally.
- In September 2025, Judge Amit Mehta rejected proposals to divest Google's Chrome and Android, allowing Google to keep them.
- Judge Brinkema mandated Google to end exclusive default deals and share certain data with competitors.
- The recent ruling does not enforce a breakup but requires operational adjustments while Google seeks to appeal the requirements.
Why it matters
- These legal battles over Google's dominance relate to ongoing discussions about big tech regulation as part of the 2025 IT trends focused on data privacy and competition.
- The move reflects growing concerns about monopolistic practices in the tech industry, highlighting a precedent for potential regulatory actions against other major tech firms.
- The complexity of online advertising demonstrates challenges in market transparency that are increasingly scrutinized in light of shifting consumer trust and regulatory priorities.
In conclusion, while Google retains its advertising business, the court's order for operational changes marks a significant step towards fostering competition in digital advertising, illustrating the ongoing struggle between tech giants and regulatory bodies.