Google can keep its Chrome browser, but it can no longer have exclusive search deals and must share its search data with competitors. That’s the ruling from U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta in the Google antitrust trial.
Why we care. This is a hit to Google’s core business – though it could have been worse had Google been forced to sell Chrome, which provides invaluable user data that’s used for advertising and ranking. Exclusive contracts that made Google the default search engine (e.g., paying Apple $20 billion a year) on browsers and smartphones helped cement its search monopoly.
The ruling. Google can no longer enter into exclusive contracts for Search, Chrome, Assistant, or Gemini products. Regarding Chrome:
- “Google will not be required to divest Chrome; nor will the court include a contingent divestiture of the Android operating system in the final judgment. Plaintiffs overreached in seeking forced divesture of these key assets, which Google did not use to effect any illegal restraints.”
Catch up quick. The DOJ sued in 2020, arguing Google illegally maintained its dominance.
What’s next: Google plans to appeal. It could be years before we see any of these penalties enforced.
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