US Court Rules Google a Monopoly and Limits Contracts

In the United States, a court ruled that Google is a monopolist and imposed a ban on long-term contracts for setting its search engine as the default option in browsers.

Limits on Contract Duration with Browsers

Under the court’s decision, the maximum term of such agreements is now limited to one year. This means that Google will no longer be able to secure its dominant position through long-term agreements with browser developers.

Previously, these contracts allowed the company to ensure that its search engine remained the default option for extended periods, which directly affected its market share.

Competitors’ Access to Search Data

Another key part of the ruling requires Google to provide competitors with access to its search index and user data.

As a result, other market players will gain the ability to use this data to develop their own search services and technologies—something that was previously unavailable to them.

The Court’s Decision and Its Impact

The court ruling is aimed at limiting Google’s monopolistic position in the search engine market. The restrictions on contract terms and the requirement to open access to data directly affect the main mechanisms through which the company maintained its dominance.

The ban on long-term default agreements directly impacts how search services are distributed in browsers and how competition develops among major technology companies.