Google avoids selling Chrome and prepares for the AI era

After months of tension, Google can breathe. Judge Amit Mehta solved the case accusing it of monopoly without imposing the sale of Chrome.

The magistrate prohibited exclusivity contracts that force users to use Chrome and required sharing certain browser data. The news brings relief to the company and the market.

The context of the case against Google

The trial originated from abuses of dominant position, recalling the historic lawsuit against Microsoft in the 90s. The U.S. Department of Justice sought maximum measures, including the sale of Chrome and restrictions on data for training artificial intelligence.

The hearing lasted three weeks and included more than 100 witnesses, among them executives from Google, Apple, Mozilla, and OpenAI. The defense argued that extreme sanctions could harm users and innovation.

Impact of AI and new strategies

The emergence of AI-powered alternatives, such as OpenAI's browser, changed the competitive landscape. Google keeps that its focus on Gemini and new artificial intelligence features strengthens its position without harming the market.

Judge Mehta acknowledged that the sale of Chrome would be "chaotic and risky" and could degrade the product. He opted for a more balanced penalty that preserves competitiveness and the revenues of manufacturers such as Apple.

What the ruling means for the market

Google keeps agreements that allow Chrome to remain the default search engine on devices, but it is now prohibited from imposing it through exclusivity contracts. This opens opportunities for other browsers to compete more fairly.

After the ruling was announced, Alphabet's shares rose 6% on Wall Street. Although it still faces other legal challenges, the company led by Sundar Pichai retains a key tool in the race for artificial intelligence.