A U.S. federal judge has ruled that Google can continue operating its Chrome browser and Android mobile system, but the tech giant must make significant changes to its business practices. The ruling requires Google to share its valuable search data with rival companies and prohibits the company from maintaining exclusive contracts that lock in its dominance as the default search engine. The decision, seen as a landmark in the government’s ongoing antitrust battle with Google, aims to level the playing field in the digital marketplace and reduce the company’s ability to stifle competition.
Judge spares Chrome and Android
US District Judge Amit Mehta decided Google will not be forced to sell Chrome or Android. This ruling eased investor fears of a potential breakup of the tech giant. Shares of Google parent Alphabet jumped more than 7 percent after hours while Apple gained 4 percent as the decision allowed their default search deal to continue.
Court orders Google to share data
Although Google avoided the harshest penalties, the court ruled the company must share certain search index and user interaction data with competitors. The Department of Justice argued this will help open up the search market which it says Google froze for more than a decade.
Exclusive contracts banned
The ruling also prevents Google from striking exclusive contracts that limit rival search engines or browsers on phones and devices. Phone makers will now be free to preload or promote other search engines and AI assistants alongside Google products.
Market impact and AI challenge
Analysts said while the data sharing requirements create competitive risks, the effect may take time. AI companies are expected to benefit as they develop new chatbots and search tools that could challenge Google’s dominance.
