Judge Orders Google to Divest Key Adtech Assets

A U.S. federal judge ruled that Google illegally monopolized the online advertising technology market, with the Department of Justice and 17 states bringing the case. Judge Leonie Brinkema found Google used anticompetitive tactics, including tying its publisher ad server with its ad exchange and leveraging acquisitions like DoubleClick, to dominate the digital ad infrastructure. The court may force Google to divest major parts of its adtech business, specifically Google Ad Manager and AdX, though claims about advertiser ad networks were dismissed. The ruling targets Google's monopoly over sell-side tools and could significantly reshape the digital advertising industry. The decision also increases regulatory scrutiny in the EU, where Google faces ongoing antitrust actions and fines. Google has stated it disagrees with the ruling and plans to appeal as remedies are considered.