A US judge has ruled that Google’s actions to maintain its dominance in online search and related advertising are illegal.
This ruling marks a significant development in antitrust law and potentially reshapes the tech industry.
On Monday, US District Judge Amit Mehta concluded that Google’s strategies to preserve its monopoly in the online search market violate antitrust laws.
This decision comes after a 10-week trial in Washington, D.C., during which the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) accused Google of employing anti-competitive practices to secure its position.
Google was found to have paid billions of dollars annually to companies like Apple, Samsung, and Mozilla to ensure its search engine was the default option on their platforms.
These payments, reportedly exceeding $10 billion a year, were seen as a way to ward off competitors and maintain control over user data and market share.
Judge Mehta’s 277-page opinion described Google as a monopolist, asserting that its actions were designed to suppress competition and sustain its market dominance.
The ruling could lead to significant changes for Google, including potential structural remedies such as a company breakup, although specific penalties and remedies will be decided in a future hearing.
Google has announced its intention to appeal the decision, arguing that its success is due to the quality of its search engine and that it faces substantial competition from other search engines and specialized apps.
The company’s spokesperson contended that the ruling unfairly targets its efforts to make its search engine accessible and valuable.
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland hailed the ruling as a significant victory for competition and consumer choice. “No company – no matter how large or influential – is above the law,” Garland stated, emphasizing the DOJ’s commitment to enforcing antitrust laws against big tech.
This ruling is part of a broader scrutiny of major tech companies. Other antitrust lawsuits are pending against firms like Meta Platforms, Amazon, and Apple.
Another case related to Google’s advertising technology is scheduled for trial in September.
In Europe, Google has faced similar challenges, with substantial fines imposed for anti-competitive practices, highlighting ongoing global concerns about the power of big tech companies.
