Judge Considers Major Remedies in U.S. Antitrust Case Against Google

In a landmark antitrust case, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta is deliberating over significant remedies proposed against Google, following a ruling that the tech giant maintained an illegal monopoly in the online search market. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has suggested measures including the divestiture of Google’s Chrome browser, cessation of default search engine agreements with companies like Apple, and restrictions on Google’s use of artificial intelligence (AI) to prevent further monopolization.

Judge Mehta is also considering the rapid advancements in AI technologies and their potential to alter the competitive landscape of online search. He has questioned whether emerging AI-driven search tools could realistically challenge Google’s dominance, indicating that any remedies must be forward-looking to account for technological shifts.

Google has countered that such drastic remedies could harm innovation and national security, arguing that users choose its services based on quality, not due to monopolistic practices. The company has proposed less severe alternatives, such as ending exclusive default deals for a limited period and allowing more flexibility for rival search engines.

A final ruling on the appropriate remedies is expected by August 2025, a decision that could significantly reshape the digital landscape and influence the future of competition in the tech industry.