Why did the U.S. DOJ seek to break up Google’s ad business?

Authorities accused Google of illegally monopolizing the digital ad market by leveraging exclusive agreements with device manufacturers and mobile operators to reinforce its dominance.

What changes must Google implement following the court’s ruling?

The judge ordered Google to adjust its business practices to ensure fair competition, though specific measures remain undisclosed. The company is already appealing similar demands related to its search business.

How did Google respond to the court’s decision?

Google called the verdict a victory, emphasizing that it retains tools helping small businesses attract customers and grow.

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Court Rejects Google’s Ad Business Breakup, Orders Practice Changes

September 3, 2026

Photo: TechCrunch

Quick answer

A U.S. court rejected the DOJ’s demand to split Google’s ad business but ordered the company to adjust monopolistic practices to ensure fair competition.

A U.S. federal court in Virginia rejected the Department of Justice’s request to forcibly break up Google’s advertising division. Judge Leonie Brinema ruled that the company must adjust its business practices to create fair conditions for competitors, though she did not specify the required changes. The full text of the decision will be published in two weeks after final revisions.

This ruling concludes the second major antitrust lawsuit against Google. In 2024, a court already deemed Google’s search and search advertising monopoly illegal, ordering it to end exclusive default search agreements. Google is appealing this decision, as well as the new requirements regarding its ad business.

The DOJ accused Google of using exclusive contracts with device manufacturers and mobile operators to dominate the digital ad market. Authorities argued these agreements artificially restricted competition and reinforced Google’s position in digital advertising.

Google representatives stated that the court’s decision confirms the company’s right to retain tools supporting small businesses. Meanwhile, experts note that adjusting business practices could impact transparency and competition within the ad ecosystem.

Common questions

Why did the U.S. DOJ seek to break up Google’s ad business?: Authorities accused Google of illegally monopolizing the digital ad market by leveraging exclusive agreements with device manufacturers and mobile operators to reinforce its dominance.
What changes must Google implement following the court’s ruling?: The judge ordered Google to adjust its business practices to ensure fair competition, though specific measures remain undisclosed. The company is already appealing similar demands related to its search business.
How did Google respond to the court’s decision?: Google called the verdict a victory, emphasizing that it retains tools helping small businesses attract customers and grow.

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