Google Wins Chrome Fight—but Must Share Search Data Under Antitrust Order

What the Ruling Means

Google escaped one of its biggest threats in the antitrust battle: forced divestiture of Chrome or Android. But the court imposed significant restrictions aimed at leveling the playing field:

• Data sharing mandate: Google must share portions of its search index and user data with rival firms.
• No exclusivity: The company is barred from locking in default search deals, including for its AI assistant and browser services.
• Strategic intact: Google keeps its Chrome browser, Android OS, and its high-value revenue-sharing agreement with Apple, minimizing immediate business disruption.

Why It Shakes Up the Competition

This move doesn’t just tweak the rules—it redraws the field. By limiting exclusivity and opening access to its secret search data, the court has created real openings for challengers—and added uncertainty to Google’s path forward in search and AI.

New Rules, New Rivals

Google may have dodged a breakup, but the arena has changed. If power stems from data, today’s decision could be the spark that lights tomorrow’s comeback.