Google Asks U.S. Judge to Defer Data-Sharing Order While It Appeals

Alphabet's Google asked a U.S. district judge to delay a data-sharing order while it appeals a ruling that found it in violation of antitrust laws, according to court filings.

The request is part of Google's ongoing legal battle with U.S. antitrust enforcers. In 2024, Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google used anticompetitive practices to maintain dominance in online search. Now, the company is challenging that ruling in federal appeals courts.

Google argues that it risks exposing trade secrets if it is forced to comply with the data-sharing requirements before the appeals process is resolved. The company is asking the court to halt this specific part of the ruling while it appeals the broader decision.

Why Did This Happen?

The data-sharing requirement was part of a broader set of remedies ordered by Judge Mehta. Google is required to share its data with competitors, including generative AI companies like OpenAI. The company has not sought to delay other aspects of the ruling, such as limits on preloading its apps, including its Gemini AI chatbot, for more than one year.

Google stated it is prepared to comply with most of the court's rulings while its appeal is pending, except for the part requiring the sharing of proprietary data.

What Are the Broader Implications?

Despite being found to have maintained an illegal monopoly, Google has not faced major penalties in its long antitrust case. The U.S. Department of Justice and a coalition of states that brought the case have until February 3 to decide whether to appeal the ruling against stronger remedies.

Enforcers had previously sought to force Google to sell its Chrome browser and end multi-billion-dollar payments to Apple and other partners for setting Google as the default search engine on new devices. These demands were not accepted by Judge Mehta, but the outcome of the appeals process could still influence the direction of the case.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

The antitrust case is part of a broader pattern of legal challenges against major tech firms. Google recently faced another antitrust lawsuit from Vox Media over its ad technology. The company is also part of a growing trend of antitrust litigation involving platform control and competition in digital markets.

Analysts are watching whether the appeals court will support Google's request to delay the data-sharing order. If granted, it could provide more time for the company to strengthen its appeal and avoid potential exposure of sensitive data.

The case also highlights the evolving regulatory landscape for tech companies. As antitrust enforcement becomes more aggressive, companies like Google are increasingly relying on legal appeals and procedural delays to manage their exposure.