Observed Signal · Sep 3, 2025 · Regulation · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Official: Google Won't Have to Sell Chrome
A US federal court led by Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google will not be required to divest Chrome, avoiding a breakup of the world’s leading browser. While the decision preserves Chrome under Google, it imposes non-divestiture restrictions that curb exclusive deals—such as a historically large default search arrangement with Apple, reportedly around €18 billion per year—and rejects a EU-style Choice Screen. The court found Google monopolistic in the search and search-ad markets but permitted remedies that require Google to share certain data with rivals, including search index and user-interaction data, and to offer rivals search and search-text ads syndication services. Remedies extend to GenAI-related aspects of search to promote competition. Google may pursue an appeal. The ruling signals continued regulatory scrutiny of platform power, with developers and rivals like DuckDuckGo and Perplexity watching for potential shifts in data access and competitive dynamics around AI-enabled search and advertising.
High relevance to antitrust/regulatory landscape in the adtech/search ecosystem; potential shifts in data sharing and exclusive deals
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- US court judge Amit Mehta ruled Google is a monopolist in the search and search-ad markets but did not order the sale or breakup of Chrome.
- The decision bans exclusive deals (e.g., preinstallation/default search deals) and rejects a forced Chrome/Android divestiture.
- Apple’s historically large default-search deal (reported ~€18 billion per year) is cited as an example of exclusivity restrictions to be limited.
- Google must share certain search index and user-interaction data with rivals and offer search and search-text ads syndication services to competitors.
- Remedies extend to GenAI technologies and products to curb anti-competitive practices in AI-powered search.
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Related Market Signals & Shifts
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Judge Rules Google Won’t Have to Break Up Ad Tech Business
Judge Leonie Brinkema ruled that Google illegally monopolized publisher ad-server and ad-exchange markets, but rejected the DOJ's proposed structural remedies, including divestiture of AdX and DFP. Instead, she imposed behavioral remedies largely based on Google's own proposals, requiring AdX to bid into Prebid via API integrations, mandating non-discriminatory bidding by Google Ads, eliminating UPR in the US, and banning first/last look. Google must share real-time bid data with publishers and stop AdWords from bidding directly into DFP or favoring Google's tools. The remedies apply globally but exclude video, in-app, and retail media, and do not require open-sourcing auction logic. A technical monitor will oversee compliance for six years with quarterly reporting. The ruling favors large exchanges and publishers with technical resources, while the DOJ lost on including DV360 and video/in-app inventory. Google retains AdX and DFP but intends to appeal. This parallels Judge Mehta's 2024 search decision, marking a second illegal monopoly finding without a breakup. Separate EU fines, state AG cases, and civil lawsuits continue.
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.
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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