Google Dodges Chrome, Android Split But Must Share Data With Rivals

Alphabet's stock rose over 7% after a judge ruled that Google can keep Chrome and Android but must share data with rivals. This preserves Google's role as the default search engine on iPhones and strengthens Apple's bottom line, estimated to be worth $20 billion annually. The decision also limits choices for users seeking stronger privacy protections or fresh innovations, as smaller search startups will be locked out. Google plans to appeal the decision, but the lengthy process could take years before it is required to act on the ruling.

A U.S. federal judge has ruled that Google can keep its Chrome browser and Android operating system, but must share search data with rivals to promote competition in online search. The decision, handed down by U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta, is seen as a victory for Google, which has been facing increasing scrutiny over its market dominance in internet search and related advertising.

The ruling comes nearly one year after Mehta found that Google held an illegal monopoly in its core market of internet search. In his latest decision, Mehta rejected the U.S. Department of Justice's bid to force Google to sell off its Chrome browser and Android operating system but ordered the company to share search data with competitors to open up competition in the online search market [1][2][3][4].

Google CEO Sundar Pichai expressed concerns during the trial that the data-sharing measures could enable competitors to reverse-engineer its technology. However, Mehta's ruling did not bar Google from making payments to third parties for default browser placement, which could potentially continue to boost Google's search revenue [1][2].

The ruling is expected to be appealed, meaning any remedies could take years to be implemented. Google is also facing other antitrust litigation, including a separate case brought by the Justice Department where a judge found the company holds illegal monopolies in online advertising technology [1][2].

The decision has implications for Apple, with the tech giant's stock rising 4% after hours following the ruling. Apple shares rose 4% after hours following the ruling [1]. The judge ruled that Google will not be barred from making payments or offering other consideration to distribution partners for preloading or placement of Google Search, Chrome, or its GenAI products. However, the judge also stated that cutting off payments from Google almost certainly will impose substantial downstream harms to distribution partners, related markets, and consumers, which counsels against a broad payment ban [1].

The ruling highlights the ongoing antitrust battle against Big Tech firms in the U.S., which began during President Donald Trump's first term and includes cases against Meta Platforms (META.O), Amazon (AMZN.O), and Apple (AAPL.O) [1][2].

References:
[1] https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/02/google-antitrust-search-ruling.html
[2] https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/us-judge-orders-google-share-search-data-with-competitors-2025-09-02/
[3] https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/us-judge-orders-google-share-202024861.html
[4] https://seekingalpha.com/news/4491426-google-not-required-to-sell-chrome-in-antitrust-remedy-ruling-shares-jump