Google can keep Chrome and Android but must share search data, judge rules

A judge ruled that Google’s parent company Alphabet does not have to sell off its Android operating system or the Chrome internet browser — but ordered the tech giant to share its search data with competitors in order to even the playing field.

In addition, US District Judge Amit Mehta ordered the company to end exclusive deals that make Google the default search engine on phones and devices. Although exclusivity is now forbidden, it can still pay Apple and Samsung to preload its operating systems, AI, and search products onto its devices.

Apple has historically received around US$20 billion a year to exclusively set Google as a the default search engine for its Safari browser on iPhones. It shares rose after news of the ruling hit markets.