Judge finds Google holds illegal online ad tech monopolies

Core Points - Google has been found to illegally dominate two markets in online advertising technology according to a federal judge, which poses significant challenges for the company in an ongoing antitrust case [1][2] - The ruling may enable prosecutors to push for a breakup of Google's advertising products, specifically suggesting that Google should divest its Google Ad Manager, which encompasses the publisher ad server and ad exchange [2] - Google faces the potential of being ordered by two different U.S. courts to sell assets or alter its business practices, with a trial scheduled in April regarding the DOJ's request for Google to sell its Chrome browser [3] Group 1 - The ruling by U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema could lead to significant changes in Google's advertising operations [2] - The U.S. Department of Justice is advocating for the sale of key advertising assets to mitigate Google's market dominance [2] - Google has previously considered divesting its ad exchange to comply with European antitrust regulations [3] Group 2 - The company is preparing for potential legal outcomes that could reshape its business model in the advertising sector [3] - The ongoing antitrust scrutiny highlights the increasing regulatory pressures faced by major tech firms in the U.S. [1][3] - The situation underscores the broader implications for the online advertising industry as regulatory bodies seek to enforce competition [1][2]