On September 2, 2025, a federal judge delivered a key ruling in the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) antitrust lawsuit against Google. The company will not have to sell its popular Chrome browser, a move the DOJ had sought to break up Google’s hold on online search.
This decision, by U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta, called divestiture a “poor fit” for fixing monopoly issues. Google also avoids selling off its Android operating system, another DOJ request that was denied.
The case stems from a 2020 lawsuit accusing Google of stifling competition through exclusive deals and payments to partners like Apple and device makers. These deals made Google the default search engine on billions of devices, locking out rivals like Bing or DuckDuckGo.
In August 2024, Judge Mehta had already ruled Google held a monopoly in general search services. The latest phase focused on remedies after a May 2025 trial.
While Google dodged structural breakups, the ruling imposes strict behavioral changes to promote fair play. Key measures include:
- Data Sharing Mandate: Google must share its search index data with competitors. This helps rivals improve their algorithms and results, leveling the playing field in the search market.
- Ban on Exclusive Contracts: No more deals that force Google as the default search on browsers or devices. This ends payments like the estimated $20 billion annual deal with Apple for Safari and Chrome defaults. However, existing pacts can continue if they follow new data-sharing rules.
- App Bundling Restrictions: Device manufacturers can’t be required to pre-install Google apps in bundles. This opens doors for alternative apps and services on Android phones and tablets.
The DOJ hailed the outcome as a win for competition, with Attorney General Merrick Garland noting it addresses Google’s anticompetitive tactics. Google, part of Alphabet Inc., called the remedies excessive but expressed relief over avoiding divestitures. Alphabet’s shares jumped about 7% on the news, adding billions to its market value.
Experts say these changes could boost innovation in search and advertising, where Google dominates with over 90% market share. Rivals like Microsoft might gain ground, potentially leading to better privacy options or AI-integrated searches.
But critics argue the remedies fall short of dismantling Google’s empire. The ruling echoes past tech antitrust cases, like Microsoft’s in the 1990s, which avoided a breakup but spurred browser competition.
Both sides have until September 10, 2025, to propose a final judgment or report status. Appeals are likely, prolonging the battle. For the full DOJ statement, visit their official page. This case highlights growing scrutiny of Big Tech, with similar probes into Apple, Amazon, and Meta ongoing.
