Big Take A Judge Ruled Google Monopolized Search. Then Came AI
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Sep 5, 2025 
Sarah Frier, Big Tech editor for Bloomberg and expert on technology regulations, dives into a significant court ruling declaring Google a monopolist in the search market. The conversation highlights how the judge’s decision reflects the growing threat from AI, sparing Google from severe sanctions. The discussion also examines the lukewarm reactions from regulators and competitors, shedding light on the complexities of future antitrust battles as AI continues to reshape the tech landscape.
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AI Shift Softened The Penalty
- Judge Amit Mehta found Google a monopoly but avoided a breakup because AI competition is emerging.
- The ruling treats the AI transition as a market force that may correct search dominance over time.
Limited Remedies, Not Breakup
- The judge required limited data sharing but rejected harsher remedies like forcing a Chrome sale.
- The decision reflects caution about reshaping a market amid rapid AI-driven change.
Timing Changed The Outcome
- Sarah Frier said that if this trial occurred months earlier, the remedies might have been harsher.
- She suggested timing and the rapid rise of AI materially altered the judge's calculus.