Judge orders Google to rebid for default search deals every year in a major antitrust blow

Core Points - A federal judge has mandated that Google must limit all default search and AI app contracts to one year, challenging the company's long-standing dominance in the search market [1][2] - The ruling requires Google to renegotiate every default-placement agreement annually, impacting lucrative contracts with major players like Apple and Samsung [2] - This decision is part of a broader antitrust effort following a 2024 ruling that found Google illegally monopolized online search and advertising [2] - The new rule is intended to create opportunities for competitors, particularly in the generative AI space, to vie for default search placements that have traditionally been secured for extended periods [3] - Although Google can still pay device manufacturers for default placements, the annual renegotiation significantly limits its ability to maintain long-term control over the search market [3]