September 2025 brought a huge update in the long-running antitrust battle with Google. The verdict? Google isn’t getting split up – so Chrome and Android are sticking around under the same roof – but the company does have to give up some of the “exclusive” deals that helped it stay the default search engine pretty much everywhere. On top of that, it’s going to have to share more data with competitors.
What the Judge Decided
1. No Forced Breakup
The DOJ was pushing to break apart Google, maybe spinning off Chrome or Android, but Judge Amit Mehta said no. That kind of move would’ve been messy and, in his words, unnecessary.
2. Bye-Bye Exclusive Deals
This is the big one. Google can’t cut those behind-the-scenes contracts that guarantee it’s the default on your phone, browser, or voice assistant. So, no more “you get Google Search or you get nothing.” Device makers and app developers now have the freedom to choose.
3. Sharing is Caring (Data Edition)
Google has to open up parts of its search index and some interaction data to qualified competitors. Not the ads data (Google’s golden goose), but enough to help rivals improve their search results and relevance.
4. Long-Term Oversight
This isn’t a quick fix. The plan is supposed to run for six years, with a committee keeping tabs to make sure Google actually plays by the rules.
Why It Matters
This case isn’t just about punishing Google. It’s about making the search market less of a one-person race. And with AI search challengers like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Claude popping up, the timing is perfect. Instead of tearing Google apart, the judge basically said: let’s give the competition some oxygen and see what happens.
How People Are Reacting
- Critics: Some antitrust experts think this wasn’t strong enough – calling it a “historic misfire.”
- Wall Street: Investors cheered. Alphabet stock jumped, and even Apple’s shares got a boost.
- Apple Angle: Apple, by the way, may actually come out ahead here. Its mega-deal with Google to make Search the iPhone default can’t stay exclusive anymore, which means Apple has wiggle room to renegotiate or bring in alternatives.
What’s Next?
- Appeals Incoming: Both Google and the DOJ are expected to appeal.
- AI Search Gets a Boost: Competitors now have access to some of the data they’ve been begging for, which could make AI search engines faster, smarter, and more relevant.
- Future Cases: Don’t be surprised if regulators use this same playbook on other tech giants like Amazon, Apple, or Meta.
Quick Recap
| What Happened | Ruling |
|---|---|
| Break up Google? | Nope, Chrome & Android stay put |
| Exclusive deals? | Banned – no more “default only” contracts |
| Data sharing? | Required – but limited |
| Timeline | Runs six years, with oversight |
Big Picture
Instead of smashing Google into pieces, this ruling tries to level the playing field. Competitors get a chance to grow, developers have more room to experiment, and users might finally see more real options in search. It’s not the end of Google’s dominance, but it’s a step toward a fairer web.
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