A U.S. District Court ruled that Google violated antitrust laws by maintaining a monopoly on its search engine, marking a significant legal defeat for the company. Judge Amit Mehta found that Google's exclusive contracts with companies like Apple and Samsung constituted anti-competitive practices, allowing it to dominate the search market and charge excessive prices for search ads. The ruling, a landmark decision akin to the Microsoft antitrust case, could lead to major changes in how search services operate, including potential penalties like a 'choice screen' for users. While analysts believe the ruling may not disrupt Google's near-term operations, the long-term implications remain uncertain as the court has yet to outline specific remedies. The White House hailed the decision as a victory for consumers, emphasizing the need for an open internet. As Google faces the prospect of appeals and further proceedings, the future of its search market dominance hangs in the balance.