U.S. judge rules Google maintains illegal monopoly in the search market

A U.S. federal judge ruled that Google holds an illegal monopoly in the search market, marking a significant challenge to the tech giant amid broader regulatory actions against Big Tech. The decision could open opportunities for competitors and complicate digital advertising strategies. The ruling highlights Google's agreements with companies like Apple that make its search engine the default choice, stifling competition. Google plans to appeal, emphasizing its perceived superior search quality.

The case follows an antitrust suit filed by the Justice Department, with a separate trial concerning Google's ad-tech dominance anticipated. This ruling arrives as Google faces intensified scrutiny globally, including in the EU under the Digital Markets Act. Recent regulatory pressures have already prompted Google to abandon its cookie-replacement initiative, Privacy Sandbox.

Source: Marketing Dive