DOJ and states appeal Google monopoly ruling to push for harsher penalties against the company - Engadget

On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and a coalition of states filed a cross-appeal regarding a ruling on Google's monopoly status in an antitrust case. This announcement was made by the DOJ Antitrust Division on X, where it stated that the appeal specifically targets the remedies decisions made by DC District Court Judge Amit Mehta. The DOJ and the states are seeking harsher penalties against Google for its alleged monopolization of internet search and search advertising, particularly challenging the ruling that did not require Google to divest its Chrome browser. In the original ruling from 2025, Judge Mehta denied the DOJ's request for Google to sell off its Chrome browser, asserting that the plaintiffs had "overreached" in their demands. He concluded that Google did not use its assets to impose illegal restraints. However, the judge did impose other restrictions on Google's business practices, which included an end to exclusive agreements for distributing certain services and a requirement for Google to share specific search data with its competitors. In a related development, Google has also filed a notice to appeal the remedies ordered by Judge Mehta. The company has requested a pause on these remedies, which include the requirement to share search data with rivals and the prohibition of exclusive distribution deals. This ongoing legal scrutiny reflects the complexities of the antitrust case against Google and the differing perspectives on the appropriate remedies for its business practices. The appeal by the DOJ and states, alongside Google's own appeal, highlights the contentious nature of the antitrust proceedings and the significant implications for Google's operations and market practices. The outcome of these appeals could lead to more stringent regulations and oversight of Google's business activities in the future.