Antitrust Case: Google Will Not Be Forced To Sell Chrome

Google will not be forced to sell its Chrome browser but must share search data with competitors, a US federal judge has ruled, following a landmark case over the company’s dominance in online search. District Judge Amit Mehta issued the decision after years of legal battles, rejecting the Justice Department’s demand that Google sell Chrome. Instead, the ruling bars Google from signing exclusive contracts and requires it to open up access to its search data.

The case focused on Google’s practice of making its search engine the default option across devices and browsers, including those made by Apple, as part of billion-dollar deals. While Judge Mehta ruled last year that Google illegally maintained a monopoly over online search, he said forcing the company to divest Chrome or its Android operating system would be “a poor fit for this case”.

Under the new order, smartphone makers like Apple, Samsung, and Motorola will no longer be bound by exclusive deals to promote Google Search, Chrome, Google Assistant, or the Gemini app. They can now feature rival products, though Google can continue paying for default placements.

The Justice Department welcomed the decision but suggested it may push for stronger measures. “We are now weighing our options and considering whether the ordered relief goes far enough to restore competition,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater on X. Google celebrated the ruling as a victory, pointing to rapid changes in technology. “Today’s decision recognises how much the industry has changed through the advent of AI, which gives people so many more ways to find information,” the company said in a statement, adding that competition remains strong and users choose Google because of its quality.

The market reacted positively, with Alphabet shares jumping more than 8% after the decision. Analysts said the ruling was less harsh than expected.The ruling doesn’t end Google’s legal troubles. Later this month, the company faces a separate trial over its alleged monopoly in online advertising technology.