Observed Signal · Feb 4, 2026 · Regulation · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
DOJ seeks tougher measures in Google antitrust case
The U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division is appealing the remedies ruling in Google's ongoing antitrust case, seeking harsher penalties for Google's alleged unlawful monopolization of the internet search and search advertising markets. DOJ announced via X that it will file a cross-appeal against the remedies decision, and several U.S. states have joined in seeking harsher sanctions. The 2025 ruling by Judge Amit Mehta found Google maintained an unlawful monopoly in search and search advertising but declined to order a Chrome divestiture; instead, it required the company to end certain exclusive agreements and share specific data with competitors to promote competition. Google has separately cross-appealed to weaken the imposed restrictions, arguing they could harm user experience and privacy. The case underscores ongoing regulatory scrutiny of Big Tech and the broader question of how far regulators should intervene in core platform markets and data practices.
Antitrust regulatory action involving a major platform with potential industry impact.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- DOJ cross-appeals remedies decisions in Google's case over unlawful monopolization of internet search and search advertising.
- Several U.S. states joined the DOJ's cross-appeal seeking harsher penalties.
- 2025 Mehta ruling found Google monopoly in search and search advertising but did not require Chrome sale; imposed remedies to end certain exclusive agreements and share data with competitors.
- DOJ cross-appeal targets the remedies, potentially including Chrome divestiture, which the court had not ordered.
- Google filed its own cross-appeal to weaken the remedies, citing potential negative impacts on user experience and privacy.
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US Government Excludes Microsoft from Visa Program
The US government has barred Microsoft from participating in the permanent residency process for foreign workers with H-1B visas, accusing the company of abusing the program. Vice President JD Vance stated that Microsoft laid off 6,000 American employees last year while benefiting from 6,300 H-1B visa holders. The Department of Labor, led by Keith Sonderling, will not accept new permanent residency applications from Microsoft, as well as several consulting firms and Adobe. This action comes weeks before the midterm elections and reflects the Trump administration's broader criticism of the H-1B program, which it claims disadvantages American workers. Microsoft has not yet responded. The move could impact the tech industry's ability to retain skilled foreign talent.
US suspends Microsoft, Adobe from green card labor program
The U.S. Department of Labor announced the suspension of Microsoft and Adobe from its Permanent Labor Certification program, along with Cognizant, Infosys, Capgemini, Tata, Wipro, and HCL. Secretary Keith Sonderling cited active federal investigations for Microsoft and Adobe, and criticized the companies for allegedly taking jobs from American workers. Vice President JD Vance specifically accused Microsoft of replacing laid-off workers with H-1B visa holders. Microsoft responded by defending its hiring practices, stating that the majority of its U.S. employees are Americans and that most H-1B petitions are for existing employees. The announcement was made during a White House summit on H-1B fraud, coinciding with President Trump honoring several tech CEOs with the National Medal of Science.
Amazon unveils new Alexa tablets with AI and Google Play
Amazon has announced a new generation of tablets under the Alexa brand, including the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro, Alexa Tablet 11, and Alexa Tablet 8. All devices run on Android, integrate the AI assistant Alexa+, and for the first time offer direct access to the full Google Play Store, allowing users to install apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Gmail alongside Amazon services. The tablets feature various screen sizes, processors, and battery lives, with prices starting at $229.99. A special Kindle reading mode and new kids' models with parental controls have also been introduced. Sales begin in North America on October 8, with shipping from October 14, and European availability, including Germany, starts October 19.
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