Google can keep Chrome, but exclusive search deals must end

Google can keep its Chrome browser, but it can no longer have exclusive search deals and must share its search data with competitors. That’s the ruling from U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta in the Google antitrust trial.

Why we care. This is a huge hit to Google’s core business – though it could have been worse had Google been forced to sell Chrome. Exclusive contracts that made Google the default search engine (e.g., paying Apple $20 billion a year) helped cement its search monopoly.

Catch up quick. The DOJ sued in 2020, arguing Google illegally maintained its dominance.

• In August 2024, following a 10-week trial, a D.C. court found Google violated antitrust law by holding an illegal monopoly in internet search.
• In April 2025, the DOJ unveiled its proposed remedies, which included Chrome divestiture as well as distribution, data, and advertising remedies.

What’s next: Google plans to appeal.