A US judge has declared that Google has engaged in monopolistic practices by using billions of dollars to eliminate competition and secure its position as the leading search engine globally. According to a detailed 277-page ruling, Google dominates the search engine market with an 89.2% share for general searches, which rises to an impressive 94.9% on smartphones.
US District Judge Amit Mehta concluded, "Google is a monopolist and has operated as such to preserve its dominance." He highlighted that Alphabet, Google's parent company, invested $26.3 billion in 2021 alone to ensure that Google remained the default search engine on various browsers and devices.
Judge Mehta noted that new competitors would find it nearly impossible to bid for the default position without being ready to invest billions in revenue sharing. This ruling, originating from a case filed during the Trump administration, sets the stage for a second trial to explore possible remedies, including the breakup of Alphabet.
In response, Alphabet has announced plans to appeal the decision. The company argues that while the ruling acknowledges Google's superior search capabilities, it unfairly restricts the company's ability to offer its services readily.
US Attorney General Merrick Garland praised the ruling as a "historic victory for the American people," emphasizing that no corporation, regardless of its size or influence, is above the law.
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