Google Ordered to Share Search Data, Prevent Exclusive Contracts in Antitrust Ruling
In a significant antitrust ruling, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta has ordered Google to share certain search data with competitors and prevent exclusive contracts for its services. The tech giant, however, is not required to restore 'exact match' keyword bidding or provide more query-level data. Google plans to appeal the decision.
The ruling, outlined in the U.S. vs. Google memorandum opinion, requires Google to disclose changes to its ad auctions for greater transparency. While Google must share search index and user-interaction data with qualified competitors, it is not obligated to share ads data. The court acknowledged the intense competition in the industry and the rise of AI in search services.
Google is barred from entering or maintaining exclusive contracts relating to the distribution of Google Search, Chrome, Google Assistant, and the Gemini app. Notably, Google is allowed to keep its Chrome browser following the ruling. The company is also not required to divest Chrome or the Android operating system.
DuckDuckGo CEO Gabriel Weinberg, however, believes the remedies ordered by the court are insufficient to address Google's alleged illegal behavior.
The ruling, which Google plans to appeal, could take years to enforce. It aims to promote competition and transparency in the search industry. While Google is required to share certain data and prevent exclusive contracts, it retains control over its core services and is not forced to divest any of them.
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