Court Lets Google Keep Chrome, but at What Cost?
A U.S. federal judge has ruled that Google can keep its Chrome browser and Android operating system, despite being found guilty of monopolizing online search. Judge Amit Mehta rejected the Justice Department’s request to force a sale, calling it “a poor fit for this case.”
Instead, the court placed limits on how Google can operate. The company can no longer sign exclusive agreements that make its search engine the default on devices and browsers. It must also provide competitors with access to parts of its search index and user interaction data to support fairer competition.
In 2021, Google paid over $26 billion to companies, including Apple and Mozilla, to secure default status for its search engine. These payments may continue, but without exclusivity, which means manufacturers and browser makers are now free to promote competing services alongside Google’s.
The ruling boosted confidence among investors. Alphabet shares rose more than 8% following the decision, while Apple gained 4%. Analysts noted that the judgment was less severe than expected and still allows Google to maintain lucrative partnerships with distributors.
Google responded by framing the decision as recognition of a changing industry, pointing to the rise of artificial intelligence as a factor that gives consumers more options. The company has consistently argued that users choose its products because of quality, not because of limited choice.
Critics disagreed. DuckDuckGo’s CEO said the ruling does little to address Google’s monopoly power, while advocacy groups called the outcome too weak given the scale of the violation. The Justice Department has said it is reviewing whether to appeal for stronger remedies.
This case is part of a broader set of legal challenges facing Google. Later this month, the company will return to court in a separate case concerning its dominance in online advertising.
For now, Google avoids losing Chrome but faces new restrictions. The judgment curtails its ability to control default search access, requires limited data sharing with rivals, and marks one of the most significant antitrust rulings against a tech company in decades.
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