Los Angles , US
September 4, 2025
In a landmark decision that has sent shockwaves through the tech industry, a U.S. federal judge has ruled against prosecutors’ bid to force Google to sell off its popular Chrome browser. The decision, delivered by Judge Amit Mehta, marks a major reprieve for the tech giant in its long-running antitrust battle, allowing it to avoid the most severe penalties sought by the U.S. Justice Department.
The ruling follows a 15-day remedies trial that took place after the judge determined last year that Google had built and maintained an illegal monopoly in the online search market. While the judge’s original finding was a significant win for prosecutors, his recent ruling on the remedies has been viewed as a more lenient outcome for Google, with the stock price of its parent company, Alphabet, surging in after-hours trading.
The Justice Department had argued that a forced sale of Chrome, which holds over two-thirds of the global browser market share, was necessary to break up Google’s monopoly. They contended that Chrome, along with the Android operating system, was a key tool in Google’s anti-competitive practices, allowing it to lock in its search engine as the default on billions of devices. Judge Mehta, however, rejected this argument, stating that a forced divestiture of Chrome would be “incredibly messy and highly risky.” He also cited the rapid emergence of generative AI tools as a new competitive force in the search market, a factor that he said “changed the course of this case.”
While Google will not be forced to sell off its browser, the ruling is not a complete victory for the company. Judge Mehta did impose several key restrictions aimed at fostering competition. Google has been barred from entering or maintaining exclusive contracts with device makers that prevent them from preloading rival search applications. The court also ordered Google to share certain data from its search engine with “qualified competitors.” This data-sharing mandate is seen as a significant step toward leveling the playing field for rivals, including emerging AI-powered search engines and chatbots.
The ruling has been met with mixed reactions. While investors cheered, critics and digital rights advocates have voiced dismay, with some calling the penalties a “slap on the wrist” and a “complete failure.” They argue that by allowing Google to retain Chrome and its lucrative deals with partners like Apple, the court is essentially allowing the company to maintain its monopoly. For its part, Google has stated it has concerns about how the new requirements will impact user privacy and is reviewing the decision closely.
As the tech industry continues to be reshaped by breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, the court’s decision signals that the focus of antitrust regulation may be shifting from traditional market dominance to the new challenges posed by AI. The Justice Department is reportedly weighing its options, and an appeal is widely anticipated, meaning this legal battle is far from over.
Headline Points:
* Google Avoids Breakup: A U.S. federal judge has ruled against the forced sale of Google’s Chrome browser, a major win for the tech company.
* AI Reshapes Case: The judge cited the rise of generative AI tools as a reason for not imposing the most severe penalties, noting that new competition is emerging.
* New Restrictions Imposed: The ruling bars Google from exclusive distribution deals and requires it to share some of its search data with competitors.
* Mixed Reactions: The decision has been praised by investors but criticized by digital rights advocates who believe the penalties are not enough to curb Google’s power.
* Legal Battle Continues: An appeal is expected, meaning the ultimate outcome of the case and its implications for the tech industry’s future remain uncertain.
