Google keeps its illegal ad tech monopoly

A federal judge has ruled that Google is not required to sell off its advertising technology business, despite previously finding that the company maintained an illegal monopoly in the sector. The decision rejects a request by the Department of Justice for a structural breakup, opting instead for behavioral remedies that mandate changes to how Google’s software interacts with competitors. This judgment allows the tech giant to maintain its AdX exchange and other services as long as it makes its tools more compatible with rival systems. While critics view this as a missed opportunity to dismantle a dominant force, others argue it prevents massive market disruption while still promoting a fairer landscape for advertisers. The court has given both parties one month to finalize a judgment that reflects these new operational restrictions. Overall, the ruling represents a significant legal victory for Google, signaling a potentially more lenient approach to major antitrust enforcement.