Google Search Is an Illegal Monopoly, US Judge Rules US Judge Rules
Antitrust Ruling: Judge Amit Mehta ruled Google unlawfully maintained search dominance through anticompetitive deals, allowing unchecked price increases in search ads.
Impact and Reactions: Google plans to appeal while facing potential adjustments in business practices. US officials view the ruling as historic, aiming to foster innovation.
Market Dominance: Google's deals with Apple and others secured about 70% of US search queries, stifling competition. The ruling echoes past antitrust actions against tech giants.
Legal Outcomes: Mehta found Google held monopoly power in search and search ads but not in product ads. Sanctions were denied for failing to preserve internal communications.