Google Appeals Court Ruling on Search Monopoly, Seeks to Delay Data Sharing with Rivals
Google has filed an appeal against a U.S. court ruling that found the company unlawfully monopolized the online search and advertising markets. The tech giant simultaneously requested a stay on the court's order to share data with competitors, a remedy intended to dilute its market dominance. The appeal process could extend Google's current operations without restrictions for approximately a year.
U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta's 2024 verdict concluded that Google secured default search engine status through exclusive deals with smartphone manufacturers like Apple and Samsung, paying an estimated $20 billion annually. These agreements allegedly stifled competition by blocking rival firms from critical distribution channels. The case, initiated in 2020 during the Trump administration, reached trial in late 2023.
