— the world’s most widely used browser — but barred the company from signing exclusive agreements that make Google the default search engine on devices like Apple’s Safari or Samsung’s smartphones. What It Means for Users Device makers can now preload alternative search engines such as Bing, DuckDuckGo, or Opera. Chrome’s privacy mode must allow different default search engines. However, Google can still pay for default placement, meaning many users may continue using it out of habit. Impact on Innovation The ruling requires Google to share parts of its search index and user interaction data with qualified competitors, giving smaller players a chance to build search engines and AI models. This could fuel innovation in generative AI, though critics warn data sharing may also pose privacy and security risks. What Google Can Do Keep Chrome & Android: No forced divestiture. Continue Paid Placement: Google can still pay device makers and browsers for non-exclusive search placement (limited to one-year deals). Develop AI & Search Products: No restrictions on Gemini AI or other innovations. Appeal the Ruling: Google has already announced plans to challenge both the liability and remedies. What Google Cannot Do Exclusive Default Contracts: No more agreements that make Google the only default search provider. Tie Services Together: Google cannot force Play Store licensing or revenue sharing to depend on other Google apps. Block Competitors’ Access: Must share search index and usage data under court oversight. Ignore Oversight: A technical committee will monitor compliance for six years. The Bigger Picture This ruling is one of the most consequential antitrust decisions since the Microsoft case in the 1990s. It highlights the government’s growing push to rein in Big Tech while balancing the need to preserve innovation. With Google holding nearly 90% of the global search market, rivals like DuckDuckGo argue the measures don’t go far enough. Still, the case sets a precedent for ongoing legal battles against Meta, Amazon, and Apple. Judge Mehta described Google bluntly: “Google is a monopolist, and it has acted as one to maintain its monopoly.”