A federal judge has decided against the Department of Justice’s request to compel Google to divest its advertising exchange platform, AdX. This ruling allows Google to retain a significant component of its advertising technology operations. Judge Leonie Brinkema’s decision also included the approval of most proposed restrictions on Google’s business practices. This latest development follows a 2025 court ruling that determined Google had unlawfully sustained monopolies within the markets for publisher ad servers and advertising exchanges.
The Justice Department, along with several states, had contended that due to Google’s prior actions, it should no longer have control over AdX. They argued that the company’s dominance and conduct warranted such a measure. However, Google countered these claims, stating that divesting AdX would pose technical challenges and potentially disrupt service for its customers.
This outcome marks another challenge for U.S. antitrust officials aiming to dismantle large tech companies. Previous attempts to enforce asset sales in cases involving other significant tech firms have similarly not succeeded. The ruling underscores the difficulties regulators face when attempting to implement structural changes within these dominant corporations.
Despite the setback for antitrust authorities, the judge’s decision imposes behavioral constraints on Google. These measures are intended to address competition concerns and improve Google’s interactions with publishers, even as the company maintains control over its advertising exchange.