US Court Allows Google Apple Deal, Orders Search Data Sharing

A landmark U.S. antitrust ruling has allowed Google to retain control over its Android operating system, Chrome browser, and its lucrative default search agreement with Apple, while requiring the company to share certain search data with competitors. The court recognized the disruptive potential of AI technologies developed by rivals such as OpenAI, which could naturally erode Google's dominance without necessitating a breakup of the company. Although Google must provide limited data access to help competitors improve search and AI tools, it can continue many of its existing business practices, including payments to Apple that secure default search status. This decision reflects a cautious regulatory approach that balances fostering innovation in AI with addressing anticompetitive behavior, marking a shift from more aggressive antitrust remedies of the past. Experts note the ruling signals a new era of big tech regulation where AI's rapid advancements challenge traditional market control, encouraging other tech giants to anticipate evolving regulatory dynamics. Investor confidence in Alphabet surged following the ruling, underscoring the market’s approval of the restrained penalties amid ongoing debates about the future of competition in the AI-driven tech landscape.