digital competition Archives

AppWizard

November 24, 2025

Google experts tell the US DOJ selling its ad tech business would be impossible

Closing arguments in the remedies trial concerning the U.S. Department of Justice's case against Google's advertising technology business concluded on November 21. A federal judge is deliberating on how to address Google's two identified monopolies in this sector, following a ruling in April 2025 that declared Google holds two illegal monopolies within the advertising technology realm. The DOJ is advocating for the divestiture of Google's ad marketplace platform, AdX, which Google argues may present significant technological challenges. Judge Leonie Brinkema has acknowledged the urgency of the situation while recognizing the complexities introduced by Google's anticipated appeals. Google has presented expert testimonies highlighting the difficulties of breaking up its ad tech business, while the DOJ argues that such a breakup is necessary for a more competitive environment. The court's decision could have broader implications for the advertising technology landscape and digital competition.

BetaBeacon

November 6, 2025

Google, Epic Games Reach US Court Settlement on Android and App Store Reforms

Google has settled a lawsuit with Epic Games, which accused Google of maintaining a monopoly in app distribution and in-app payments through the Play Store. The settlement includes reforms allowing users to download third-party app stores and developers to offer alternative payment methods within their apps, with Google charging a capped service fee of 9 to 20%. This agreement is expected to have far-reaching effects on the mobile app market and may lead to changes in the business models of both Google's Play Store and Apple's iOS.

AppWizard

April 16, 2025

Japan orders Google to stop pre-installing Chrome and its other apps on Android smartphones – The Times of India

The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) issued a cease-and-desist order against Google for violating Japan's anti-monopoly law by requiring Android smartphone manufacturers to preinstall its applications, which restricted competing search engine applications. Google incentivized manufacturers financially to designate Chrome as the default browser and not to preinstall rival search applications. The order mandates that Google stop these practices, prohibits the requirement for preinstallation of its apps, and requires the company to create compliance guidelines and appoint an independent third party to oversee adherence for five years. Google had agreements with six manufacturers representing about 80% of Android smartphones in Japan. The investigation began in 2023, reflecting a trend of increased scrutiny of big tech firms globally.