Judge Leonie M. Brinkema rules that Google will retain its advertising business instead of being broken up by the Justice Department.
Federal judge Leonie M. Brinkema ruled that Google will keep its advertising business rather than being broken up by the Justice Department. This decision follows a 2023 lawsuit targeting Google's ad-technology business, where a court previously determined the company held an illegal monopoly.
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While the Justice Department proposed various divestitures, such as selling off the Chrome browser and Android operating system, Brinkema ruled that Google could keep these tools. Instead of a full breakup, the user will be required to adjust its business practices to favor competitors. The judge's ruling did not provide specific details on how Google should implement these adjustments. Google's vice president for regulatory affairs, Lee-Anne Mulholland, stated that the company is pleased the court rejected the proposal to break apart the tools that help small businesses reach new customers. The ruling addresses the remedy for the illegal monopoly found in April of last year. The full written ruling will remain under seal for 14 days to allow for necessary redactions.