Google Avoids Breakup, But Has to Give Up Exclusive Search Deals in Antitrust Trial
Google just faced a major turning point in its long-running antitrust battle. In the latest ruling, Google avoids breakup, but has to give up exclusive search deals in antitrust trial—a move that could reshape how the tech giant operates across devices and partnerships.
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Judge Blocks Exclusive Search Agreements
U.S. District Court Judge Amit P. Mehta stopped short of breaking up Google’s search empire. Instead, he ordered remedies designed to prevent the company from locking out competition.
The order bars Google from entering or maintaining exclusive deals that tie Search, Chrome, Google Assistant, or Gemini to other apps or revenue arrangements. For example, Google can no longer make Play Store licensing dependent on distributing its apps or use revenue-sharing to force default placements.
Competitors Gain More Access
To level the playing field, Google must also share certain search index and user-interaction data with qualified competitors. This ensures that other search providers can deliver high-quality results while building their own technology.
In addition, Google will have to offer search and ad syndication services to rivals at standard rates—removing the unfair advantages it once held through exclusivity deals.
A Temporary Win for Google
Judge Mehta has not yet issued a final ruling. Instead, he ordered both Google and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to submit a revised final judgment by September 10. The decision comes nearly a year after he found Google guilty of using its dominance to illegally maintain a monopoly in online search.
A technical committee will oversee enforcement, with remedies set to last six years once finalized.
DOJ Wanted Stronger Penalties
The DOJ initially pushed for harsher consequences, including forcing Google to divest its Chrome browser and possibly even Android. Regulators also hoped to end Google’s multibillion-dollar agreements with Apple, Samsung, and others that kept Google Search as the default option.
Although Google avoided a structural breakup, the ruling still chips away at its ability to block competitors through default deals.
Apple and Partners Benefit
Apple’s stock jumped after-hours following the news. The iPhone maker can continue its lucrative partnership with Google, though it may no longer be exclusive.
The scale of Google’s spending highlights why this matters. In 2021 alone, Google paid more than $26 billion to secure default search placements, with $18 billion going to Apple. In 2022, that figure topped $20 billion—underscoring just how valuable default status has been in protecting Google’s search dominance.
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