Technology
Federal judge rejects DOJ request to break up Google's ad tech business
The court accepted behavioral remedies to address Google's illegal advertising monopoly rather than ordering structural divestitures.
The short version
- A federal judge declined the Department of Justice's request to force Google to divest components of its ad tech business.
- The court opted instead to impose behavioral remedies designed to curb anticompetitive practices across Google's ad server and exchange services.
- Specific details of the mandated changes remain temporarily sealed while the parties review the opinion for confidential redactions.
Key facts
- US District Court Judge Leonie Brinkema rejected the Justice Department's demand to break up Google's ad tech operations.[The Verge · Business Insider]
- The ruling accepted most proposed behavioral remedies to address Google's anticompetitive conduct in publisher ad server and ad exchange markets.[The Verge · Business Insider]
- In an April 2025 ruling, Judge Brinkema concluded Google willfully engaged in anticompetitive actions to maintain monopoly power, holding over 90% market share in publisher ad servers.[Business Insider]
- Shares of Alphabet and ad tech competitors, including The Trade Desk, AppLovin, Magnite, and Taboola, rose following the announcement.[Business Insider]
What remains uncertain
- The full scope and exact terms of the behavioral remedies have not been released because the ruling remains sealed for redactions.[The Verge · Business Insider]
Sources
- Google yet again avoided a breakup of its business — but it will have to play nicerBusiness Insider metered
- Google dodges another breakup attemptThe Verge