Google Escapes Breakup Amid Antitrust Scrutiny

A US judge has ruled against breaking up Google's advertising technology business, marking the third time in recent years that Big Tech companies have escaped antitrust measures.

The Department of Justice had argued that Google couldn't be trusted to run its online advertising exchange AdX after it was found to have engaged in anti-competitive conduct. However, US Judge Leonie Brinkema declined to order a breakup and instead accepted behavioral remedies proposed by Google.

The company will provide real-time bid access to competitors as part of the agreement. This decision has sparked questions about whether courts are equipped to handle the power wielded by Big Tech companies over the US economy.