Google has filed an appeal against a federal judge’s ruling that the company holds an illegal monopoly on online search. According to court records, the US district judge made the decision in 2024, stating that Google’s exclusive distribution agreements made it the default option for users. The judge ruled that these agreements gave Google a monopoly on search and text advertising.
Google has disputed this ruling, stating that it “ignored the reality that people use Google because they want to, not because they’re forced to.” The company’s vice president of regulatory affairs, Lee-Anne Mulholland, argued that the decision failed to account for the rapid pace of innovation and intense competition in the industry. Google faces competition from established players and well-funded start-ups, which the company believes was not considered in the ruling.
The appeal comes after District Court Judge Amit Mehta ordered Google to share data with its rivals to level the playing field in online search. Google has requested that this order be paused, citing concerns that it could lose trade secrets before a decision is made on its appeal. The company is not seeking to postpone other requirements from Mehta’s previous orders, including those related to privacy and security safeguards for user data.
Mehta’s ruling also rejected a request from the US government that Google sell its Chrome web browser. Instead, the judge ordered Google to make available to qualified competitors search index data and user interaction information that rivals can use to improve their services. Google has argued that it is prepared to comply with the orders, except for those that require it to turn over its data or provide syndicated results and ads.
The appeal highlights the ongoing debate over Google’s dominance in the online search market. The company’s market share and influence have led to concerns about its impact on competition and innovation. The outcome of the appeal will be closely watched by the tech industry and regulators, as it could have significant implications for the future of online search and advertising.
