

Business Rundown: Too Big? Google's Latest Breakup Battle
Sep 22, 2025
Patrick Hedger, Director of Policy at NetChoice, dives into the antitrust case against Google, highlighting the recent court ruling that deemed its digital advertising practices an illegal monopoly. He discusses the implications of the Department of Justice's remedies phase, weighing options like divestiture versus adjustments. The conversation also explores how these legal battles impact small businesses and the future of AI innovation, underscoring the disconnect between government regulations and the tech industry's realities.
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Antitrust's Vague Origins
- Antitrust laws are vague and have been used to advance policy goals beyond consumer protection.
- Patrick Hedger argues enforcement often reflects political aims rather than clear consumer harm.
Big Can Be Better For Consumers
- Two antitrust camps have emerged: the "big is bad" movement and a consumer-focused conservative approach.
- Hedger says bigger platforms can often benefit consumers through scale and network effects.
Enforcement Lags Market Reality
- Hedger says the court ruling against Google ad tech ignores the dynamic ad market and rising competitors like Amazon.
- He argues antitrust enforcement lags behind fast-changing technology and market share shifts.