"That's after U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia Judge Amit Mehta imposed lighter than expected penalties after finding Google guilty of violating Section 2 of the Sherman Act, where Google was found to have illegally maintained monopolies in general search services and search text advertising markets, according to Mehta's ruling. Mehta's decision fell short of what investors expected - divestment of Google's Chrome browser, I noted in an August 2025 post."
"The good news for Google is that the search giant does not have to divest its Chrome browser and it can still pay Apple for traffic acquisition costs to make Chrome the default - which is good for Apple and others to the tune of $26 billion. The bad news is the decision requires Google to share search data with rivals - although I think Google will appeal Mehta's and delay is as long as possible. Therefore, not much may change."
U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google violated Section 2 of the Sherman Act by illegally maintaining monopolies in general search services and search text advertising markets. The ruling imposed lighter penalties than some investors expected and did not require divestiture of Google's Chrome browser. Google can continue paying Apple for traffic acquisition costs, preserving substantial payments reported at about $26 billion. The decision requires Google to share search data with rivals. Critics said the remedy was insufficient; Google expressed relief at avoiding Chrome divestiture. Google is likely to appeal, which could delay enforcement.
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