“This is a really big moment for that movement to bring big tech under control,” Allensworth noted. She suggested that Judge Mehta might issue an injunction against Google’s search deals or require users to actively choose their preferred search engine, rather than defaulting to Google’s option.
Google’s appeal could extend the legal battle for years, potentially leading to a settlement or final judgment by the courts. Despite the ongoing litigation, the DOJ’s focus on antitrust enforcement, especially against dominant tech companies, remains unwavering.
As Google faces intensified scrutiny, its practices and business strategies may need to adapt to a new era of regulatory oversight.
The outcome of these legal battles could shape the future of competition and innovation in the tech industry, setting a precedent for how tech giants are regulated in the years to come.