DOJ Antitrust Case Against Google Nears Decision

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) concluded its antitrust case against Google, alleging monopolization of advertising technology, with closing arguments in Alexandria, Virginia. The DOJ seeks to force Google to sell off parts of its ad tech business to address its dominance in 'open-web display advertising.' Google has defended its practices against these allegations, which it claims are based on outdated paradigms. Judge Leonie Brinkema, overseeing the case, is expected to deliver a ruling by the year's end, which could significantly impact Google's business and the tech industry. This case is separate from another ongoing antitrust lawsuit where Judge Amit Mehta ruled Google holds an illegal monopoly in search, with that trial set for April 2025. The outcome of the advertising case could lead to divestitures or changes in Google's business practices.