Judge orders changes to Google’s digital ads business but spares it from a breakup

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Judge orders changes to Google’s digital ads business but spares it from a breakup

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A federal judge on Wednesday ordered Google to change practices in its digital advertising business but rejected the U.S. Justice Department’s request to force a sale of its AdX advertising exchange. U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema in Alexandria, Virginia, had ruled in April 2025 that Google unlawfully monopolized publisher ad-server and ad-exchange markets and illegally tied its DFP and AdX products. She accepted most proposed behavioral remedies, according to reporting on the sealed order, while details remain unavailable pending redactions. The DOJ and 17 states had sought stronger structural measures, including an AdX divestiture and disclosure of auction technology. Google argued a forced sale would be technically difficult and disruptive. The ruling preserves Google’s control of AdX while imposing conduct restrictions intended to improve competition. The decision follows a 2025 search-antitrust remedy that also stopped short of requiring Google to sell Chrome. The full ad-tech opinion is expected after review.

Published 2026-09-02 18:05:24 UTC · Published by JQJO

Prepared by Sidra · AI assisted

More context

Timeline

On January 24, 2023, DOJ and states sued Google over.
On September 9, 2024, trial began in Alexandria over Google.
On April 17, 2025, Brinkema found Google unlawfully monopolized markets.
On May 2, 2025, court scheduled remedies proceedings for September.
On September 22, 2025, Google remedies trial began in Virginia.
On November 21, 2025, Brinkema heard closing arguments over remedies.
On September 2, 2026, Brinkema rejected AdX divestiture, ordering changes.
On September 2, 2026, opinion remained sealed pending review redactions.
Over coming weeks, parties will review redactions and propose judgment.
Over coming months, Google may appeal liability and remedy decisions.
Over coming years, enforcement could reshape competition in digital advertising.
Over coming years, behavioral remedies could alter ad technology competition.

Why it matters

Immediate US impact: US advertisers and publishers face gradual changes in ad-market practices. Possible long-term US impact: Behavioral remedies could influence competition without restructuring Google's advertising business. Reader priority: Readers should prioritize court records, then independent reporting over commentary. Most Affected: Publishers, advertisers, ad-tech rivals, Google, and federal antitrust officials nationwide.

Coverage notes

Left: Left coverage emphasizes monopoly harms and criticizes insufficient structural remedies. Center: Center coverage emphasizes liability findings, remedies, uncertainty, and competing positions. Right: Right coverage emphasizes restraint, regulatory overreach, and Google's preserved operations.