Judge rules Google will not have to sell off Android operating system

Judge rules Google will not have to sell off Android operating system

A significant development in the ongoing legal battle between Google and the European Union (EU) has been announced. A judge has ruled that Google will not be forced to sell off its Android operating system as part of the EU's antitrust investigation. This decision marks a notable shift in the EU's approach to competition enforcement, which has traditionally been more stringent against tech giants.

The ruling comes after a four-year-long investigation into Google's alleged anti-competitive practices in its adtech business. The EU's antitrust chief, Teresa Ribera, has been focusing on getting tech firms to end anti-competitive practices rather than imposing heavy fines. This approach is a departure from her predecessor, Margrethe Vestager's, who was known for imposing large fines on tech companies [2].

The judge's decision not to force Google to divest its Android operating system is a relief for the tech giant. This decision is particularly significant given the critical role Android plays in Google's ecosystem. Android is the world's most popular mobile operating system, and any forced divestment could have had far-reaching implications for the tech industry and consumers alike.

However, the EU's investigation into Google's adtech business is still ongoing. The judge's ruling does not preclude the possibility of other penalties or regulatory changes. Google is expected to face a "modest" fine, as reported by Reuters, which reflects the EU's new strategy of focusing on compliance rather than harsh penalties [3].

This ruling underscores the EU's evolving approach to antitrust enforcement, which is now more focused on ensuring compliance with regulations rather than imposing heavy fines. This shift is likely to have implications for other tech giants under investigation by the EU.

In summary, the judge's ruling that Google will not have to sell off its Android operating system is a significant development in the ongoing antitrust battle. It reflects a shift in the EU's approach to competition enforcement and highlights the complexity of balancing innovation and competition in the tech industry.

References:
[1] https://theoutpost.ai/news-story/google-to-implement-strict-developer-verification-for-android-apps-in-2025-19528/
[2] https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/google-adtech-fine-hold-eu-awaits-lower-us-car-duties-sources-say-2025-09-02/
[3] https://cryptorank.io/news/feed/a8a8a-google-in-modest-eu-fine-for-its-adtech-unit