US Judge Amit Mehta has ruled that Google engaged in illegal practices to maintain its monopoly on online searches and advertising. The US Department of Justice filed a civil antitrust lawsuit in 2020, alleging that Google’s anticompetitive tactics harmed competition and consumers.
Google’s chief legal officer, Kent Walker, defended the company, stating that users choose Google willingly and that the lawsuit would artificially prop up lower-quality search alternatives. However, Judge Mehta found that Google paid billions to secure its position as the default search engine on smartphones and browsers, maintaining its monopoly.
The ruling followed a 10-week trial, where prosecutors accused Google of spending billions annually to ensure its default search engine status. The judge concluded that being the default search engine is “extremely valuable real estate” for Google, making it difficult for new entrants to compete.
While penalties for Google have not been decided, the US government has requested “structural relief,” potentially leading to a break-up of the company. Alphabet, Google’s parent company, plans to appeal the ruling. Another case against Google, focusing on its advertising technology, is scheduled for trial in September.
