Google Gets To Keep Chrome But Is Barred From Exclusive Search Deals, Judge Rules

A federal judge spared Google from the harshest penalties in its antitrust case. The search giant can keep Chrome and avoid breaking up Android, but it has been barred from exclusive contracts and ordered to limit data sharing with rivals. CNBC reports: U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta ruled against the most severe consequences that were proposed by the U.S. Department of Justice, including selling off its Chrome browser, which provides data that helps its advertising business deliver targeted ads. 'Google will not be required to divest Chrome; nor will the court include a contingent divestiture of the Android operating system in the final judgment,' the decision stated. 'Plaintiffs overreached in seeking forced divesture of these key assets, which Google did not use to effect any illegal restraints.'

The company can make payments to preload products, but it cannot have exclusive contracts, the decision stated. The DOJ asked Google to stop the practice of 'compelled syndication,' which refers to the practice of making certain deals with companies to ensure its search engine remains the default choice in browsers and smartphones. The judge ordered the parties to meet by September 10th for the final judgement.

'Google will not be barred from making payments or offering other consideration to distribution partners for preloading or placement of Google Search, Chrome, or its GenAI products. Cutting off payments from Google almost certainly will impose substantial -- in some cases, crippling -- downstream harms to distribution partners, related markets, and consumers, which counsels against a broad payment ban.' Google said it will appeal the ruling, which would delay any potential penalties. Mehta ruled Tuesday that Google will have to make available certain search index data and user interaction data though 'not ads data.' The court narrowed the datasets Google will be required to share and said they must occur on 'ordinary commercial terms that are consistent with Google's current syndication services.'

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