Google won't have to sell Chrome in antitrust win

Google won't be forced to spin off its popular Chrome browser but must share data with competitors, a federal judge ruled on Tuesday.Why it matters: Not having to sell Chrome is a major win for Google in the landmark antitrust case the Justice Department brought against the company back in 2020.However, it's losing its exclusivity contracts, which will likely be a major loss of revenue for other companies and may make Chrome less ubiquitous. Driving the news: Federal District Judge Amit Mehta issued the ruling after finding that Google violated antitrust law to obtain a monopoly in the online search market last year.Google can still pay partners for placement and preloading of Google apps, despite exclusivity being banned. What they're saying: "Plaintiffs overreached in seeking forced divesture of these key assets, which Google did not use to effect any illegal restraints," the ruling states.The big picture: The judge had the opportunity to transform the tech ecosystem, forcing a rebalancing of market power in web search at a time when AI is fundamentally changing how people look things up online. That didn't happen.Spinning off Chrome would have had major ramifications for Google's business both in search and AI, and interested buyers were lining up.No more exclusivity impacts Google's contracts with Android, Apple and Samsung, which have helped keep Chrome the top choice browser for many.The other side: Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment.Context: Last August, Mehta ruled that Google is a monopolist and has acted as one to maintain its monopoly status.The case was originally filed in President Trump's first administration.What's next: Google's planned appeal could lead to the case reaching the Supreme Court.

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