- Google’s online search monopoly is illegal, US judge rules
- Google acted illegally to stifle competition and maintain its monopoly on online search and related advertising
- Google spent billions to ensure its search engine remained the default choice on smartphones and browsers
- This decision marks a major setback and may significantly impact how tech giants operate
- The penalties have yet to be determined, could see potential fines
Google’s online search monopoly is illegal, US judge rules
In a significant ruling, a US judge determined that Google acted illegally to stifle competition and maintain its monopoly on online search and related advertising. This decision marks a major setback for Alphabet, Google’s parent company, and may significantly impact how tech giants operate.
The lawsuit, initiated by the US Department of Justice in 2020, accused Google of controlling roughly 90% of the online search market. This case is among several legal actions targeting big tech companies as US antitrust authorities push for greater competition in the industry.
The case has been described as an existential threat to Google’s dominance in search and online advertising. The penalties for Google and Alphabet have yet to be determined, with potential fines or other remedies to be decided in a future hearing. The government has suggested “structural relief,” which could potentially lead to the breakup of the company.
US District Judge Amit Mehta noted that Google had spent billions to ensure its search engine remained the default choice on smartphones and browsers.