In a move that echoes the historic breakup of telecommunications giant AT&T, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is again in federal court seeking to dismantle parts of Google’s digital advertising empire. The trial, which began on September 22, 2025, in a Virginia federal court, is a “remedy” hearing to determine what action should be taken after U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema ruled earlier this year that Google’s ad technology constitutes an illegal monopoly.
The case, which was initially filed in January 2023, accuses Google of anti-competitive practices that have stifled competition and harmed online publishers who rely on the ad tech system for revenue. The DOJ’s lead attorney, Julia Tarver Wood, argued in her opening statement that a structural breakup of Google’s ad technology—specifically its ad exchange and publisher tools—is the only way to restore fair market conditions. “The means to cheat are buried in computer codes and algorithms,” Wood stated, asserting that only a divestiture can truly address the systemic issues.
Google, however, is pushing back against the government’s proposal. The company’s legal team, led by attorney Karen Dunn, has called the DOJ’s proposed remedy “reckless and radical,” arguing that it would cause significant disruption and damage to the internet ecosystem. Google contends that a breakup would be impractical and that the company has already made sufficient changes to its Ad Manager system to resolve the issues. Google also points to the rapidly changing digital landscape, arguing that new technologies, particularly in artificial intelligence, are reshaping the market and making the government’s proposals obsolete.
This legal battle is the second major antitrust showdown for Google this year. In a separate case, a federal judge had previously ruled that Google holds a monopoly in the online search market but declined the government’s request to force the sale of its Chrome browser, opting instead for less dramatic remedies. That ruling is expected to influence Judge Brinkema’s decision in the ad tech case.
The outcome of this trial will have monumental implications, not just for Google but for the entire digital advertising industry. A forced breakup could reshape a multi-billion dollar market, while a more lenient ruling could set a precedent for future antitrust cases against other tech giants. Regardless of the judge’s decision, Google has already stated its intention to appeal the initial monopoly ruling.
Key Highlights:
- Trial to Break Up Ad Business: The U.S. Department of Justice is in a “remedy” trial seeking to force Google to sell parts of its digital advertising business after a federal judge ruled the company holds an illegal monopoly.
- DOJ’s Stance: The government argues that a structural breakup is the only way to restore competition, claiming Google’s control over both the ad exchange and publisher tools gives it an unfair advantage.
- Google’s Defense: Google’s lawyers are fighting the proposal, arguing it is too radical, would cause widespread disruption, and that the company has already made changes to address the court’s concerns.
- Implications: The outcome of the trial, which is being closely watched, could fundamentally reshape the digital advertising market and will set a major precedent for future antitrust enforcement against tech companies.