Judge Amit Mehta Rules Against Google in Antitrust Case Over $26 Billion Payoff

Aug 9, 2024, 08:19 AM

A federal judge has ruled that Google violated antitrust laws, marking a significant legal defeat for the tech giant. The ruling, delivered by Judge Amit Mehta, found Google liable for monopolizing online search and advertising markets. The decision could lead to substantial operational and financial changes for Google, as the remedies phase is set to follow. The case highlights Google's practice of paying companies up to $26 billion to use its products, which the court deemed as stifling innovation and growth in the tech sector. Additionally, the court criticized Google's policies of letting internal chats delete automatically and training employees to avoid competition law "buzzwords." The U.S. Justice Department, led by antitrust chief Jonathan Kanter, is reportedly pleased with the outcome, which may prompt further actions, including potential divestment of Android. The ruling also referenced violations of the Sherman Act. Google's appeal is anticipated, with industry experts closely monitoring the implications for its business model and partnerships with companies like Apple and Mozilla.