Google's search engine declared an illegal monopoly by judge

In the United States, a significant legal battle continues as Google's monopoly status in the search engine market is challenged in court. On May 30, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) faced off against Google in the final phase of a landmark antitrust case that has spanned more than four years. This conflict stems from a determination made by U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta, who ruled in 2024 that Google maintains an illegal monopoly due to its practices in securing default search engine positions on devices like smartphones. The DOJ has proposed aggressive remedies to rectify this situation, including the potential requirement for Google to sell its widely-used Chrome browser. They argue that such actions are necessary to foster fair competition and prevent Google from further consolidating its market power, especially as technology shifts towards artificial intelligence. Justice Department lawyers have emphasized that without a ban on Google's exclusive contracts with device manufacturers, the landscape of online search will remain tilted in favor of Google, undermining the competitive capabilities of emerging AI-centric search applications. They assert that Google’s ability to leverage its vast search data could reinforce its dominance in both search and AI. On the other hand, Google’s legal team argues that the extreme measures proposed by the DOJ are excessive and do not align with legal precedent. Google representatives maintain that the company's innovations in artificial intelligence are already reshaping the search environment, suggesting that any remedies should involve minor adjustments rather than radical changes to their business model. They have suggested that they would stop entering into exclusive agreements with device manufacturers and implement an oversight committee to regulate their practices. While both sides recognize the impact of AI on the industry, their viewpoints differ on how it will influence Google's power. The DOJ believes that new legal restrictions are necessary for proper checks and balances, while Google views the technology evolution as sufficient to alter their market position without drastic regulatory intervention. The outcome of this trial has broad implications not only for Google and its competitors but also for the future of technology regulation in the U.S., especially concerning how large tech companies operate within a rapidly changing digital landscape. Closing arguments were made May 30, 2025, and Judge Mehta is expected to render his decision in the subsequent months, possibly before Labor Day, after thoroughly deliberating the arguments presented. With many stakeholders invested in the outcome, the debate encompasses opinions from major industry players like Apple, legal experts, and startup incubators who are concerned about the ripple effects that the potential breakup of Google could impose on the tech landscape. As of now, the Division over this case demonstrates the complexities of balancing innovation with the necessary regulation of market power, setting a precedent for technology companies in the future.