Summary
A federal judge ruled that Google doesn't have to sell its Chrome browser but must share data with competitors. The judge found that Google broke antitrust laws to gain a monopoly in online search, but Google can still pay partners for app placement without exclusive contracts.
Key Facts
- Google won't be required to separate its Chrome browser from the rest of its business.
- The company must share some data with competitors as part of the ruling.
- The ruling stops Google from having exclusive contracts that helped keep Chrome very popular.
- Google can still pay for its apps to be preloaded on devices.
- The case stems from a 2020 antitrust lawsuit by the U.S. Justice Department.
- Judge Amit Mehta previously ruled Google is a monopoly in search markets.
- Google's partners include major smartphone companies like Apple and Samsung.
- Google plans to appeal the decision, possibly taking the case to the Supreme Court.
