Google has been accused of acting illegally to crush competition by pouring in billions to maintain its monopoly over online searches.
The decision marks a significant blow to Alphabet, Google’s parent company, which may radically change the entire structure of the online marketplace.
The ruling came almost four years after the US Department of Justice sued Google in 2020, alleging anti-competitive practices.
Penalties Include Break-up
Judge Mehta stated in his 277-page opinion, “Google is a monopolist, and it has acted as one to maintain its monopoly.”
He highlighted that Google paid billions to ensure it remains the default search engine on smartphones and browsers.
The specific penalties Google and Alphabet will face will be decided in a future hearing.
The government has called for “structural relief,” which could include the break-up of the company, the BBC said.
US Attorney General Merrick Garland claimed that no company was above the law, no matter how big or influential it was.
