Alphabet-owned Google has announced plans to appeal a recent federal court decision regarding its search and advertising monopoly.

In August 2024, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google holds an illegal monopoly over the search engine market, affirming the Department of Justice's (DOJ) claims about the company's monopolistic practices.

The appeal follows Judge Mehta's consideration of how to address Google's monopoly, with the DOJ advocating for significant structural changes.

Google argues that the DOJ's proposed actions could lead to privacy issues, government control over user data, and increased competition from well-funded rivals.

Instead of the DOJ's extensive measures, Google suggested limited changes such as easing partnerships with device manufacturers and creating a third-party oversight committee for competition compliance.

Central allegations included Google's exclusive agreements with device manufacturers like Apple and Samsung, which the DOJ claimed harmed both consumers and competitors.

During the trial, an executive from OpenAI indicated interest in acquiring Chrome if Google was mandated to sell it, highlighting potential shifts in market dynamics.

Proposed remedies from the DOJ include requiring Google to license its search technology more widely, terminating exclusive agreements with device manufacturers, and potentially forcing the sale of the Chrome browser.

The ruling's implications extend to the artificial intelligence sector, with Google warning that enforcing the decision could disrupt competition in AI.

The announcement follows closing arguments in an antitrust trial led by the DOJ and various states, which took place on May 30, 2025.

A federal judge proposed less aggressive measures to restore competition in online search than the 10-year regime suggested by antitrust enforcers, prompting Google's appeal.

Google expressed its belief that the court's original ruling was incorrect and is awaiting the court's opinion before proceeding with the appeal.