US Judge Rules Google Maintains Illegal Monopolies in Online Ad Tech, Setting Stage for Major Industry Shakeup

In a landmark antitrust decision, a U.S. federal judge has ruled that Google holds illegal monopolies across key segments of the online advertising technology market. The ruling, handed down Thursday, marks a critical victory for regulators and could force sweeping changes in how Google operates within the digital ad ecosystem.

 

Key Highlights:

Possible Remedies: 

The court is expected to hold further hearings to determine remedies, which could include the separation of certain Google ad tech businesses or new rules to ensure competitive access for third-party providers.

 

Google’s Response:

Google has stated it will “carefully review the ruling” and consider all legal options, signaling a likely appeal.

 

Outlook:

This judgment is set to reshape the $600 billion global online advertising industry, create new openings for competitors, and reinforce ongoing regulatory scrutiny of Big Tech’s market power.

 

Source: U.S. federal court ruling, industry and regulatory statements, April 17, 2025.