Judge Lets Google Keep Chrome and Alphabet Stock Rallies

A U.S. judge has restrained Google’s ability to lock competitors out of search without dismantling core assets. Judge Amit Mehta ruled that the company need not divest Chrome or forgo default search deals, which is a great relief for Google's investors and partners. Still, he ruled that Google must open select data to rivals and end exclusive contracts that limit competition.

Mehta acknowledged Google’s illegal search monopoly but rejected the Justice Department’s proposals as overly intrusive “sledgehammer” remedies. Instead, he mandates limited access to Google's search index and query data for rivals such as Bing and DuckDuckGo, and prohibits exclusive placement of Search tools on devices or browsers. Chrome, Android, and default payments (including the lucrative agreement with Apple) remain intact.

Following the decision, Google's parent company, Alphabet’s shares jumped between 6% and 8.36%, reflecting market confidence that core revenue engines remain secure.

Screenshot from Google Search

Apple’s stock rose about 3%, buoyed by continued default search revenue.

This outcome signals a shift from aggressive breakup tactics toward measured regulation that is prompted in part by the rise of AI challengers like ChatGPT and Perplexity. Judge Mehta emphasized that regulators should account for emerging competition when crafting remedies.

Regulators still have options. The Justice Department may appeal, and Google faces another major antitrust trial later this month over its dominance in digital advertising.

Industry Insight

This ruling reflects realism as assets like Chrome and Android are deeply woven into Google's ecosystem. Breaking them up could have caused unintended fallout. Instead, forcing data access and banning exclusivity charts a path to competition without chaos. For AI players and alternative search engines, even narrow access could catalyze a long-term challenge to Google’s dominance.