Tue Sep 02 21:10:07 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

A U.S. judge has ruled that Google must share data with competitors to foster competition in online search, rejecting a proposal to force the sale of its Chrome browser. This decision comes after a five-year legal battle where Google was found to have an illegal monopoly in online search. Google plans to appeal the ruling, which could delay its implementation for years. In addition, the judge has barred Google from exclusive agreements that prevent device manufacturers from pre-installing competing search products. Google is also involved in other legal battles, including a lawsuit regarding its app store and another case concerning its dominance in online advertising technology. These cases are part of a larger U.S. crackdown on Big Tech firms. After initially dropping slightly, Alphabet’s stock rose sharply in after-hours trading following the ruling.

**News Article:**

**Google Ordered to Share Search Data with Rivals in Landmark Antitrust Ruling**

Washington, D.C. – In a significant blow to the tech giant, a U.S. judge has ordered Alphabet’s Google to share crucial data with competitors in an effort to level the playing field in the online search market. The ruling, delivered on Tuesday, follows a five-year legal battle that saw Google found guilty of maintaining an illegal monopoly in online search and related advertising last year.

While the court rejected a request to force Google to divest its Chrome browser, it did mandate data sharing and prohibited the company from entering into exclusive agreements that prevent device manufacturers from pre-installing competing search engines on their devices.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai had previously voiced concerns that forced data sharing would allow rivals to reverse-engineer its technology. The company has already announced plans to appeal the ruling, potentially delaying its implementation for years.

“We respectfully disagree with the ruling and believe we have strong grounds for appeal,” a Google spokesperson stated. “This ruling would unfairly disadvantage users and stifle innovation in the online search market.”

The ruling stems from a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), which argued that Google’s dominance stifles competition and harms consumers. Prosecutors had sought sweeping remedies to restore competition and prevent Google from extending its dominance into emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.

“This is a victory for competition and consumers,” said a DOJ spokesperson. “We believe this ruling will foster innovation and give consumers more choices in online search.”

This case is just one of several legal battles Google is facing. The company is currently fighting a ruling requiring it to revamp its app store in a lawsuit brought by “Fortnite” maker Epic Games, and it faces another trial in September regarding its dominance in online advertising technology.

These legal challenges are part of a broader bipartisan effort by the U.S. government to rein in the power of Big Tech companies, including Meta Platforms, Amazon, and Apple.

Despite the negative news, Alphabet’s stock initially dipped slightly, finishing down 0.7 percent for the day. However, in a surprising turn, shares soared by 6 percent in after-hours trading following the announcement. The market appears to be interpreting the judge’s decision to not mandate divesting Chrome as a relief, despite the data-sharing requirement.

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