Google Stock Jumps 8% After Avoiding Worst-Case Antitrust Penalties Key Points A federal judge ruled that Google can keep its Chrome browser but must end exclusive contracts. The ruling follows a landmark 2024 decision that found Google illegally held a monopoly in internet search. Google pays Apple billions annually to be the default search engine on iPhones; Apple shares rose 4% after hours. Background The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed an antitrust case in 2020 alleging Google maintained its dominant market share by erecting barriers to entry. In August 2024, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled Google violated Section 2 of the Sherman Act by holding an illegal monopoly in general search. Last year, Judge Amit Mehta found Google held monopoly power in search and oversaw the remedies trial in May 2025 where penalties were debated. Latest Ruling Details (September 2, 2025) Google will not be required to divest its Chrome browser or the Android operating system. The court found that Google did not use Chrome or Android to impose illegal restraints, rejecting government demands for forced divestitures. Google must end exclusive contracts with partners but can continue making payments to preload its products on devices. Google is required to share certain search index and user interaction data with competitors on ordinary commercial terms, but ads data is excluded. The judge insisted that banning payments outright would harm distribution partners and consumers. Market Impact Alphabet's shares surged 8% in extended trading following the ruling. Apple shares also rose 4% after hours, benefiting from Google's payments for default search engine status on iPhones. Additional Information Google has said it will appeal the overall antitrust decision, potentially delaying penalties. The court ordered parties to meet by September 10 for final judgment. Google's CEO Sundar Pichai met with Polish PM Donald Tusk in February 2025, as part of ongoing global engagement. The ruling allows Google to maintain key assets and operational strategies that support its advertising business. --- Related Articles: Klarna’s U.S. IPO aiming to raise up to $1.27 billion. Tesla appeals $243 million verdict in Autopilot crash lawsuit. Alibaba’s development of a new AI chip. Meta AI chatbot changes amid Senate probe on teen interactions. --- Watch: Google snatches Windsurf CEO after OpenAI deal dissolves (2:23) --- This ruling marks a significant moment in tech antitrust enforcement, as Google avoids drastic divestiture penalties but faces restrictions on exclusive contracts and data sharing obligations to increase market competition.