Google files appeal against US judge's monopoly ruling

Google filed a notice to appeal a US federal judge's 2024 ruling that its search business is an illegal monopoly. The judge found Google used exclusive distribution agreements to make its search the default option, creating an unfair advantage. Google counters that people choose its services voluntarily and face intense competition from other tech firms and startups.

Google is specifically asking the court to pause an order requiring it to share search index data and user interaction information with rivals. The company argues this risks exposing trade secrets before its appeal is decided. The order was imposed after the judge rejected a government request for Google to sell its Chrome web browser.

While opposing the data-sharing requirement, Google says it will comply with other court-ordered safeguards for user privacy and security during the appeal process. The case has significant implications for the tech industry's competitive landscape and could reshape how major platforms share data with competitors.

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/01/17/google-files-to-appeal-decision-in-search-monopoly-case/