Decoder with Nilay Patel The case for breaking up Google has never been stronger
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Apr 24, 2025 
Jonathan Kanter, the former Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust, reveals insights from his tenure leading critical antitrust cases against Google. He discusses the growing urgency for the U.S. government to consider breaking up the tech giant to promote fair competition. Kanter elaborates on the legal complexities of Google's ad tech monopoly and the political influences impacting these cases. He also highlights the implications for democracy and innovation, conveying the message that the fight against Big Tech is far from over.
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Google's Ad Tech Monopoly Unveiled
- Google's ad tech case revealed it dominated every segment of the ad auction, including buy side, sell side, and the exchange.
- Google manipulated auctions to its advantage, harming publishers and competitors.
Crafting Antitrust Complaints Strategically
- Build a compelling, layered complaint with a clear, digestible narrative for different audiences.
- Provide exhaustive evidence and legal reasoning to withstand scrutiny and persuade judges and juries.
Boutique Law Firm Inside DOJ
- Jonathan Kanter built a "boutique law firm" inside the DOJ with trial lawyers and antitrust experts.
- This hybrid team effectively challenged tech giants like Google and Apple in court.