Google avoids breakup in US antitrust trials over search and ads

September 5, 2026 at 05:00 AM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Google won rulings in both major US antitrust trials, avoiding the forced breakup of its search and advertising businesses. Judge Mehta ruled on Sept. 2, 2025 that Google need not divest Chrome or Android, and Judge Brinkema ruled on Sept. 2, 2026 that it need not sell its AdX exchange. The company still faces behavioral remedies, including sharing search data with rivals.

Key Facts

Judge Mehta ruled on Sept. 2, 2025 that Google does not have to divest Chrome or Android and may continue paying for default search placement.
Judge Brinkema ruled on Sept. 2, 2026 that Google does not have to sell its AdX ad exchange or divest its DoubleClick for Publishers business.
Google must share search index and user-interaction data with rivals and offer search results syndication as behavioral remedies.
The US Department of Justice proposed on Oct. 8, 2024 that Chrome and Android be split off from Google.
Judge Brinkema ruled on April 17, 2025 that Google illegally monopolized the ad tech market.

Search Trial Outcome

Judge Mehta ruled on Sept. 2, 2025 that Google does not have to divest Chrome or Android, rejecting the US government's request. Google will be allowed to continue paying Apple and other browser makers for default search placement. To level the competitive playing field, Google must share search index and user-interaction data with rivals and offer search results syndication. The remedy phase of the search trial began on April 21, 2025 with Judge Mehta presiding. Federal prosecutors warned that Google might use artificial intelligence to entrench its search monopoly and demanded divestiture of Chrome and an end to exclusive default agreements.

Advertising Trial Outcome

Judge Brinkema ruled on Sept. 2, 2026 that Google does not have to sell its AdX ad exchange. Google is also not required to open-source the final-auction logic in its DoubleClick for Publishers ad server or divest its DFP business. Behavioral remedies in the advertising case are sealed while the parties identify confidential information for redaction. Judge Brinkema ruled on April 17, 2025 that Google illegally monopolized the ad tech market, writing that its exclusionary conduct substantially harmed publisher customers and consumers. The US Department of Justice wrapped its case in the advertising trial on Sept. 20, 2024.