US District Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google has maintained its monopoly in the search engine and advertising markets through exclusive contracts, violating the Sherman Act. With Google holding nearly 90% of the search market, the ruling could open the door for more competitors and foster innovation in search technology. Google plans to appeal the decision, asserting that it provides the best search experience for users. Legal experts warn that the ruling may have widespread implications for other tech giants like Meta and Amazon. While consumers may not see immediate changes, the decision could eventually lead to increased diversity in search options, allowing alternatives like DuckDuckGo and vertical search sites to gain visibility. The case signifies a pivotal moment in antitrust enforcement against big tech, marking a potential shift in competition policy.