A US judge has ruled that Google has an unlawful monopoly on internet search.

A US judge has ruled that Google created an illegal monopoly for its search engine, using its financial power to eliminate competition and hinder innovation. The landmark decision marks a significant win for US authorities challenging Big Tech’s dominance, a topic that has garnered bipartisan criticism. US District Judge Amit Mehta’s 277-page ruling describes Google as a monopolist, evidenced by its 89.2% market share in general search services and 94.9% on mobile devices.

US Attorney General Merrick Garland hailed the ruling as a historic victory for the American people, emphasizing that no company is above the law. This decision is a major blow to Google and its parent company, Alphabet, which argued that its success was due to consumer preference for its search engine. 

Google handles around 8.5 billion searches daily, nearly double the volume from 12 years ago. Despite the ruling, Google’s global affairs president, Kent Walker, announced plans to appeal, noting that the judge had acknowledged Google’s superior search capabilities.

The ruling sets the stage for a second trial to explore potential remedies, including the possibility of breaking up Alphabet, which could disrupt Google’s long-standing dominance in online advertising. This case is part of a broader wave of legal challenges against major tech companies like Meta, Amazon, and Apple. The case, initiated during former President Donald Trump’s administration, demonstrates strong bipartisan support for antitrust action, according to Senator Amy Klobuchar.