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Judge Limits Google Search Contracts to One Year
7 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Google's default search and AI services contracts now have a one-year limit.
- Judge Mehta ruled against selling off Google's Chrome browser.
- The ruling aims to create a fairer competitive environment for rivals.
A significant ruling by a federal judge has introduced a one-year cap on contracts that establish Google's search and AI services as the default on various devices. This decision, reported by Bloomberg, mandates that Google will need to renegotiate these agreements annually, thereby leveling the playing field for its competitors.
This development follows a previous ruling in September where Judge Amit Mehta decided against the Department of Justice's request to force Google to divest its Chrome browser. The broader antitrust case centers on Google's alleged illegal maintenance of a search monopoly, achieved through tactics such as paying companies like Apple to feature its search engine by default.
Mehta's earlier ruling also addressed exclusive distribution deals for services including Search, Chrome, and Gemini. The new stipulations require Google to share specific search data with competitors to help mitigate the scale advantage Google has cultivated through its past practices.
