Google Faces Antitrust Breakup?

Google is facing the potential for a forced breakup after a US judge ruled in 2024 that the company had illegally monopolised the search market. The court found Google engaged in exclusionary conduct regarding app distribution and in-app payments, mandating Google allow third-party app stores to access the Google Play Store's catalogue and distribute through the Play Store.

Remedies to address Google's monopolisation of digital advertising markets are being determined in court following an April 2025 ruling. The Department of Justice proposed Google sell its AdX digital ad marketplace and DoubleClick for Publishers platform. Google has also agreed to pay a $36 million fine in Australia for anticompetitive deals that excluded rival search engines on Android phones.

Potential outcomes range from mandated changes to Google's business practices to a forced divestiture of key assets like the Chrome browser and Android operating system. Some analysts believe a breakup could unlock significant value, while others foresee a negative impact on companies like Apple if Google's search exclusivity deals are terminated.