Google is a search engine monopoly – at least in the US

View of Google logo on its corporate offices in lower Manhattan in New York, NY, October 21, 2020.
View of Google logo on its corporate offices in lower Manhattan in New York, NY, October 21, 2020.
Anthony Behar/Reuters

A US judge has ruled that tech giant Google “is a monopolist” and “has acted as one to maintain its monopoly.” Judge Amit Mehta found that Google had violated the Sherman Act by monopolizing the market for internet search in the case brought to the courts by the federal Department of Justice.

The court found that Google had used its monopoly powers by way of striking deals to make its search the default on browsers, meaning users were far less likely to use alternative services. Google’s monopoly power allowed it to jack up the prices it charged its advertising clients.

The ruling did not include any remedies – that comes later – leaving the question of “So what?” open. Google, no surprise, plans to appeal, which means it’s going to be months – or more – before things are sorted. The case could even end up before the Supreme Court.

But Americans won’t be the only ones waiting to see what anti-competition laws and rulings make of Google’s future. A Canadian investigation into the company has been ongoing since 2020. In February, the Competition Bureau won a court order to gather more information into the company’s ad practices and subsequently expanded its investigation – but as the US ruling comes down, it’s anyone’s best guess when Canada might follow suit, and how.

More from GZERO Media

President Donald Trump raises a fist during a ceremony where he signs two executive orders that will lead to reciprocal tariffs against other countries that charge tariffs on US goods.

Andrew Leyden/ZUMA Press Wire via Reuters

Barely three months in, President Trump has bashed America’s closest European allies and spooked NATO into worrying about its survival, taken a chainsaw to US foreign aid programs, pulled the rug out from under Ukraine, threatened to expand US territory for the first time since the 19th century, and started a global trade war that’s pushed protectionism to its highest levels since the Great Depression. That’s a lot for 100 days, and it seems chaotic, but there are a few basic aspects of Trump’s worldview and commitment to “America First” that are consistent and worth understanding.

- YouTube

Fifty years after the fall of Saigon (or its liberation, depending on whom you ask), Vietnam has transformed from a war-torn battleground to one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies—and now finds itself caught between two superpowers. Ian Bremmer breaks down how Vietnam went from devastation in the wake of the Vietnam War to becoming a regional economic powerhouse.

Eurasia Group and GZERO Media are seeking a highly creative, detail-oriented Graphic and Animation Designer who lives and breathes news, international affairs, and policy. The ideal candidate has demonstrated experience using visual storytelling—including data visualizations and short-form animations—to make complex geopolitical topics accessible, social-friendly, and engaging across platforms. You will join a dynamic team of researchers, editors, video producers, and writers to elevate our storytelling and thought leadership through innovative multimedia content.

The body of Pope Francis in the coffin exposed in St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City on April 24, 2025. The funeral will be celebrated on Saturday in St. Peter's Square.
Pasquale Gargano/KONTROLAB/ipa-agency.net/IPA/Sipa USA

While the Catholic world prepares for the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday – the service begins at 10 a.m. local time, 4 a.m. ET – certain high-profile attendees may also have other things on their mind. Several world leaders will be on hand to pay their respects to the pontiff, but they could also find themselves involved in bilateral talks.

A Ukrainian rescue worker sits atop the rubble of a destroyed residential building during rescue operations, following a Russian missile strike on a residential apartment building block in Kyiv, Ukraine, on April 24, 2025.
Photo by Justin Yau/ Sipa USA
Members of the M23 rebel group stand guard at the opening ceremony of Caisse Generale d'epargne du Congo (CADECO) which will serve as the bank for the city of Goma where all banks have closed since the city was taken by the M23 rebels, in Goma, North Kivu province in the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo, April 7, 2025.
REUTERS/Arlette Bashizi

The Democratic Republic of the Congo and an alliance of militias led by the notorious M23 rebels announced a ceasefire on Thursday after talks in Qatar and, after three years of violence, said they would work toward a permanent truce.