In a landmark ruling, a US judge has declared that Google acted unlawfully to maintain a monopoly on online searches and related advertising. The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against the tech giant in 2020, alleging that Google's control over approximately 90% of the online search market violated antitrust laws.

US District Judge Amit Mehta, in his 277-page opinion, stated that Google had engaged in monopolistic practices by paying billions to ensure that its search engine remains the default option on smartphones and browsers. This ruling could have far-reaching implications for the way technology giants conduct their business.

The decision is indeed a significant victory for federal antitrust regulators who have been pursuing lawsuits against major tech companies, accusing them of operating unlawful monopolies. Other pending lawsuits include those filed against Meta Platforms, which owns Facebook and WhatsApp, as well as Amazon.com and Apple Inc.

The ruling comes after a 10-week trial, during which prosecutors argued that Google's massive annual investments to become the default search engine across various platforms stifled competition, preventing other companies from effectively challenging its dominance. In response, Google's lawyers defended the company by emphasizing the usefulness of its search engine to users and highlighting ongoing investments to enhance consumer experience.

Judge Mehta's ruling represents a potential turning point in the ongoing battle between regulators and Big Tech companies. By asserting Google's role as a monopolist, the decision could pave the way for stricter oversight and enforcement of antitrust regulations, aiming to achieve a more competitive marketplace.

At present, Google has not issued a statement in response to Judge Mehta's ruling. However, it is worth noting that another case against the tech giant regarding its advertising technology is scheduled to go on trial in September.

The outcome of these legal battles will undoubtedly shape the future landscape of online markets, placing a spotlight on the immense power wielded by technology giants and prompting discussions about the need for robust competition in the digital realm.