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Judge orders changes to Google's digital ads business
AP News • • business
Key Points:
- A federal judge, Leonie Brinkema, ordered Google to modify the system behind its digital advertising monopoly but stopped short of breaking up the company, rejecting the U.S. government's call for dismantling parts of Google's ad technology.
- This ruling marks the second time in a year that Google has avoided a breakup despite courts affirming its illegal monopoly status, with Alphabet Inc. now valued at $4.11 trillion.
- The judge's full opinion, including specific remedies, will remain sealed for 14 days for review, and Google expressed satisfaction with the decision, emphasizing the importance of its tools for small businesses.
- Critics argue the ruling fails to adequately address Google's anti-competitive behavior, warning it sends the wrong message amid ongoing concerns about Big Tech's market dominance.
- Despite potential impacts on revenue growth, investors have largely viewed similar rulings as minor obstacles, with Alphabet's stock price rising significantly following a previous antitrust decision.
