The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia has ruled that Google violated antitrust laws by monopolizing open web digital advertising markets.
This decision, announced on April 17, 2025, marks a significant victory for the Department of Justice (DOJ) in its ongoing efforts to address anti-competitive practices in the tech industry.
Key Details:
- Monopolistic Practices: The court found that Google abused its monopoly power in digital advertising technologies, commonly referred to as the “ad tech stack.” These tools are essential for website publishers to buy, sell, and optimize digital ads.
- Impact on Competition: Google’s actions were deemed harmful to publishing customers, the competitive process, and consumers of information on the open web. The company was accused of neutralizing rivals through acquisitions and anti-competitive auction manipulation over the past 15 years.
- Legal Proceedings: The ruling follows a 15-day trial held in September 2024, during which the DOJ and attorneys general from several states presented evidence of Google’s exclusionary conduct.
- Next Steps: A second phase of the trial will determine remedies for Google’s conduct, including potential penalties and measures to restore competition in the digital advertising market.