A US federal judge on Tuesday rejected government calls for Google to divest its Chrome web browser but imposed sweeping remedies to curb the tech giant’s dominance in online search.

The ruling, delivered by Judge Amit Mehta, follows his August 2024 decision that Google illegally maintained monopolies in search through multibillion-dollar distribution agreements with Apple, Samsung, and other device makers.

Key Remedies

Under the judgment, Google must make its search index data and user interaction information available to qualified competitors to strengthen rival platforms. The order also extends to emerging generative AI tools, restricting Google from using exclusive deals to dominate the new frontier of information services.

A technical committee will supervise compliance, with remedies taking effect 60 days after entry of judgment.

No Chrome Divestiture

The Justice Department had urged the court to force Google to sell Chrome, arguing the browser facilitates a third of all Google searches and serves as a key gateway to the web. But Judge Mehta ruled that such a breakup would be “incredibly messy and highly risky,” warning prosecutors had overreached.

“Google will not be barred from making payments or offering other consideration to distribution partners for preloading or placement of Google Search, Chrome, or its GenAI products,” the ruling stated.

Reactions

Google hailed the decision as a recognition of rapid industry shifts driven by AI.
“Today’s decision recognises how much the industry has changed through the advent of AI,” said Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google’s vice president of regulatory affairs. “Competition is intense and people can easily choose the services they want.”

However, she warned that forced data-sharing could raise “serious concerns” about user privacy.

The Justice Department described the remedies as “significant” but signalled it may seek further relief.
“We will continue to review the opinion,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater.

Legal experts noted the mixed outcome. “It sounds like