In a significant escalation of antitrust enforcement, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is pursuing the breakup of Google’s advertising technology division. This move follows a federal court’s determination that Google unlawfully maintained monopolies in key segments of the digital advertising market.
Background of the Case
The DOJ’s intensified actions stem from a ruling by U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema, who found that Google had willfully monopolized the ad-exchange and publisher ad-server markets. The court identified that Google’s practices, including the integration of its AdX digital ad marketplace and DFP ad management platform, suppressed competition and harmed both publishers and consumers. This ruling marks the second major antitrust setback for Google, following a previous judgment concerning its dominance in online search. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/technology/us-judge-finds-google-holds-illegal-online-ad-tech-monopolies-2025-04-17/?utm_source=openai))
DOJ’s Proposed Remedies
In response to the court’s findings, the DOJ has proposed that Google divest critical components of its advertising business, specifically the AdX marketplace and the DFP platform. Additionally, the government seeks to impose a 10-year ban on Google operating a digital ad exchange. These measures aim to restore competitive balance in the digital advertising sector and prevent future monopolistic behavior. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/073faf53cd757249f83d6eddabcb8e56?utm_source=openai))
Google’s Position and Counterarguments
Google, owned by Alphabet Inc., has contested the DOJ’s demands, arguing that the proposed divestitures exceed the scope of the court’s findings and lack legal foundation. The company suggests that behavioral remedies, such as providing real-time bidding data to competitors, would be sufficient to address antitrust concerns. Google maintains that its advertising tools are competitive and beneficial to publishers, and it plans to appeal parts of the court’s decision. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/us-seeks-breakup-googles-ad-tech-products-after-judge-finds-illegal-monopoly-2025-05-06/?utm_source=openai))
Implications for the Tech Industry
If the courts approve the DOJ’s proposed penalties, it would represent the most significant breakup of a U.S. company since AT&T in the early 1980s. This case underscores the growing bipartisan momentum in antitrust enforcement against major tech firms. Other industry giants, such as Meta, Amazon, and Apple, are also facing increased scrutiny and legal challenges regarding their market practices. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/technology/us-judge-finds-google-holds-illegal-online-ad-tech-monopolies-2025-04-17/?utm_source=openai))
Future Proceedings
A trial to evaluate the proposed remedies is scheduled for September 22, 2025. During this trial, both the DOJ and Google will present their arguments regarding the necessity and feasibility of the proposed structural changes. The outcome of this trial could have far-reaching consequences for the digital advertising industry and set a precedent for future antitrust actions in the technology sector. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/c0a32e81-e80a-45b9-a58a-411cd0da591e?utm_source=openai))
Conclusion
The DOJ’s pursuit of structural remedies against Google’s advertising business highlights the government’s commitment to addressing monopolistic practices in the digital economy. As the case progresses, it will serve as a critical test of antitrust laws’ applicability to modern technology companies and their complex business models.
