A U.S. District Judge has ruled that Google holds illegal monopolies in two critical sectors of online advertising, sending shockwaves through the tech world. The decision, issued on April 17, 2025, paves the way for U.S. regulators to demand significant changes to Google’s ad operations, potentially including a forced sale of key parts of its business.
The ruling, delivered by Judge Leonie Brinkema in Alexandria, Virginia, found that Google had “willfully acquired and maintained monopoly power” in the market for publisher ad servers and ad exchanges, both of which are integral to how digital ads are bought and sold. These tools are vital for news websites and online content providers, generating essential revenue through ads.
In her decision, Brinkema emphasized that Google’s monopolistic behavior not only stifled competition but also harmed both publishers and consumers. “This exclusionary conduct substantially harmed Google’s publisher customers, the competitive process, and, ultimately, consumers of information on the open web,” the judge wrote.
The court’s verdict is part of a broader effort to rein in tech giants’ dominance over digital spaces. However, the judge did not accept all claims made by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The DOJ had argued that Google monopolized the advertiser ad network market, but Brinkema found insufficient evidence to support that claim.
The ruling is seen as a significant victory for those challenging Google’s control over the digital advertising ecosystem. U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi hailed it as a “landmark victory” in the battle against Google’s dominance, while Google expressed its intent to appeal, claiming the case only addressed part of the issue.
Despite the legal setback, the financial impact on Google has been modest, with shares dipping just 1.4% after the news broke. However, experts are predicting that this case, along with ongoing antitrust battles, could lead to greater scrutiny of major tech firms like Amazon and Meta, who face similar accusations of monopolistic practices.
This ruling also brings Google closer to another high-stakes trial regarding its search engine business, where the DOJ is pushing for a forced sale of Google’s Chrome browser to break up its dominance in online search. The legal challenges reflect an ongoing bipartisan push for stricter antitrust enforcement, underscoring the growing regulatory risks for Big Tech.
