In a ruling that has captured widespread attention, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta has declined to impose drastic measures in the landmark antitrust case against Google, sparing the tech giant from selling off its Chrome browser and Android operating system.
Announced on September 3, 2025, the decision marks a significant moment in the ongoing battle over Google’s dominance in the search market. While the company avoids a breakup, it faces new restrictions: it is barred from entering exclusive distribution contracts and must share certain search data with competitors.
The market responded with relief, as Alphabet, Google’s parent company, saw its stock surge by approximately 8% in after-hours trading. Apple, which reportedly receives billions annually from Google to set its search engine as the default on iPhones, also saw its shares rise by about 4%. This reaction underscores investor confidence that the ruling avoids the most severe disruptions to Google’s business model.
Mehta’s decision allows Google to continue paying distribution partners for preloading its apps and setting its search engine as the default, provided these deals are not exclusive.
The judge avoided a broad ban on payments, citing potential harm to partners and consumers, a cautious approach that balances competition with market stability. However, the data-sharing requirement is limited—Google must provide “certain search index data and user interaction data” but is exempt from sharing advertising data, and the process will not be free, aligning with commercial terms.
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The final judgment is set to be formalized on September 10, with both Google and the Department of Justice summoned to a court meeting. While an appeal remains a possibility, the Justice Department’s response — “The court recognized our position” — suggests no immediate escalation. This tempered reaction hints that, for now, the ruling may stand, though the legal saga could still evolve as stakeholders assess its long-term impact.
The decision reflects a nuanced effort to curb Google’s monopoly without dismantling its core assets, leaving room for market forces to play out. As the tech world watches, the outcome could set a precedent for how regulators address Big Tech’s dominance in the digital age.
