Google Ordered to Share Chrome Search Data in Antitrust Ruling
<p><strong>Google Avoids Chrome Sale but Must Share Search Data in Major Antitrust Ruling</strong></p><p><strong>Washington, D.C.:</strong> In a landmark decision, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta has ruled that <strong>Alphabet Inc.’s Google illegally monopolized the online search market</strong>, ordering the company to <strong>share portions of its search data with competitors</strong> while <strong>rejecting the more severe penalty of forcing a Chrome browser sale</strong>.</p><p><strong>Key Provisions of the Ruling</strong></p><p>Google <strong>cannot sign exclusive contracts</strong> that make it the default search engine on devices like Apple’s iPhones or Samsung smartphones.</p><p>The company may continue <strong>paying partners like Apple</strong> to remain the default search provider.</p><p><strong>Competitors</strong>, including Microsoft, DuckDuckGo, and emerging AI firms, will now gain access to Google’s search index and user interaction data, helping them build stronger search and AI platforms.</p><p><strong>Impact on Google and Apple</strong></p><p>Google <strong>avoids divestiture of Chrome and Android</strong>, protecting its core businesses.</p><p>Apple can continue earning around <strong>$20 billion annually</strong> from default search payments but must <strong>offer users greater flexibility to choose alternative search engines</strong>.</p><p><strong>Market Reaction</strong><br>Alphabet’s stock <strong>rose 8.7%</strong> in after-hours trading, while Apple shares gained <strong>over 4%</strong>. Analysts noted the ruling is “better than feared” for Google, as it <strong>avoids the harshest penalties</strong>.</p><p><strong>Concerns and Criticism</strong></p><p>Google expressed concerns about <strong>privacy and data-sharing obligations</strong>.</p><p>The DOJ stated the ruling restores <strong>market competition</strong> but admitted it fell short of its strongest demands.</p><p>Rivals like DuckDuckGo argued the remedies <strong>don’t go far enough</strong>, leaving Google with significant advantages.</p><p><strong>Future Implications</strong><br>The decision sets a <strong>precedent for regulating Big Tech</strong>, potentially influencing cases against Amazon, Apple, and Meta. Judge Mehta warned that stricter remedies could follow if competition is not restored and signaled that Google’s <strong>payment model may be revisited</strong>.</p><p><strong>Next Steps</strong><br>Both parties must <strong>submit remedy proposals by September 10</strong>. Meanwhile, Google faces another DOJ case concerning its <strong>online advertising dominance</strong>, which could lead to further penalties or even a breakup of its ad business.</p><p>This ruling marks one of the most consequential antitrust decisions in decades, reflecting the <strong>growing global effort to ensure fair competition in search, AI, and digital advertising</strong>.</p>