DOJ Pushes for Google AdX Breakup in Landmark Antitrust Trial

The U.S. Department of Justice has launched a high-stakes antitrust case against Google, demanding the tech giant divest its AdX advertising platform. This trial marks a pivotal moment in the government's broader crackdown on Big Tech monopolies, with parallel actions underway against Meta, Amazon, and Apple.

Prosecutors allege Google's 20% fee structure on AdX transactions creates an unfair advantage, effectively locking competitors out of the $200 billion digital advertising market. Judge Leonie Brinkema has already determined Google maintains illegal monopolies in online advertising, setting the stage for potentially seismic industry reforms.

Media executives from DailyMail.com, Advance Local, and former News Corp leadership will testify about alleged anti-competitive practices. Witnesses claim Google's auction system privileged its own advertisers with first and last bidding rights, systematically depressing publisher revenues.