Google Not Required to Sell Chrome in Antitrust Ruling. Judges Bars Exclusive Search Deals, Orders Data Sharing

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From wsj.com: What happens when a tech giant faces legal challenges but still retains its power? At a recent developers conference, Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet, stood at the center of a storm. A federal judge ruled that Google can no longer pay to be the exclusive search engine on devices and browsers, a move that could reshape the digital landscape. However, the judge stopped short of imposing more severe penalties, like forcing Google to divest its Chrome browser, which could have sent shockwaves through the industry. This decision highlights a critical tension: while Google’s distribution payments remain intact, the ruling signals a shift in how tech monopolies are scrutinized. With 90% of search engine market share, Google’s dominance is under the microscope, yet it retains its partnerships, avoiding drastic changes that could disrupt the ecosystem. As the legal saga unfolds, the implications for competition and innovation in tech are profound. Learn more about this at wsj.com.