Feng Huang Wang·2026-01-05 07:13Core Viewpoint - The U.S. government's efforts to break up major tech giants are facing significant challenges, with recent antitrust cases against companies like Google and Meta encountering judicial resistance [2][3]. Group 1: Judicial Challenges - U.S. federal enforcement agencies have struggled to convince judges to order the divestiture of core business segments from tech giants, such as Google's Chrome browser and Meta's Instagram [2]. - Despite some landmark rulings recognizing illegal monopolistic practices, judges are often reluctant to impose the most severe remedies, such as forced breakups or annulments of mergers long after they have been completed [3]. - The ongoing antitrust cases against Apple and Amazon remain unresolved, raising questions about the government's approach to curbing the power of tech giants [3]. Group 2: Impact of AI and Market Dynamics - The rapid pace of technological change, particularly in AI, has created higher barriers for antitrust regulators, complicating their efforts to challenge large tech companies [5]. - In a notable ruling, a judge determined that Google's substantial investments in exclusive agreements maintained its illegal monopoly in the internet search market, but rejected the request to divest Chrome or Android, citing the threat posed by AI advancements [5]. - The judge's decision was influenced by the emergence of generative AI, which he noted could significantly impact Google's $200 billion annual revenue from search [5]. Group 3: Judicial Caution and Complexity - Courts exhibit caution regarding structural remedies for companies valued in the trillions, preferring to mandate behavioral corrections rather than enforce breakups [7]. - Judges emphasize the need for moderation in crafting remedies, referencing the complexities involved in reviewing intricate business arrangements [7]. - Concerns about the practicality of enforcing forced divestitures have been raised, with judges questioning the feasibility of such measures [7].