Google is under intense scrutiny from regulators today primarily because of ongoing antitrust legal battles accusing it of monopolistic practices in digital advertising and search engine markets. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and several states have charged Google with using its dominant position to unfairly control key parts of the online advertising ecosystem and search engine defaults, harming competition and publishers.
One major case involves Google’s alleged monopoly in the ad technology sector, specifically in open-web display advertising. The DOJ has argued that Google engaged in a series of anticompetitive acts to acquire and maintain monopoly power over publisher ad servers and ad exchanges. Evidence presented includes internal emails from Google staff suggesting a strategy of “all or nothing” to force publishers to use Google’s ad exchange or lose access to demand, effectively squeezing out competitors. In April 2025, a federal judge ruled in favor of the DOJ, confirming that Google willfully maintained its monopoly through such practices. The case has now moved into the remedy phase, where both sides are presenting witnesses including Google employees, publisher executives, ad tech industry leaders, and academic experts to argue over the appropriate corrective measures[1].
Another significant regulatory challenge concerns Google’s search engine dominance. Google has been accused of using exclusive default agreements with web browsers, mobile phone manufacturers, and wireless carriers to ensure its search engine remains the default choice for the vast majority of users. These agreements effectively block competitors from gaining meaningful market share. A 2024 ruling found these agreements illegal because they foreclose rivals from important distribution channels, chilling competition and innovation. However, the judge’s remedy in 2025 stopped short of fully banning such payments, allowing Google to continue paying for default status under certain conditions, such as limiting the duration of agreements and prohibiting exclusivity. Critics argue this remedy is insufficient because it still permits Google to secure dominant default positions through substantial payments, which can maintain its market power and limit competition[2].
Beyond these specific cases, the broader concern among regulators is Google’s control over critical data and artificial intelligence technologies that drive monetization and content distribution on the open web. Google’s dominance in both data collection and AI-powered ad targeting gives it an outsized influence over the digital advertising market and the flow of information online. This control raises fears that Google can stifle competition not only through direct business practices but also by controlling the underlying infrastructure and intelligence that shape the digital economy[4].
These regulatory actions reflect a growing global trend of governments scrutinizing large technology companies for anticompetitive behavior. Google’s cases are among the most high-profile and complex, involving detailed technical and economic analyses of digital markets. The outcomes of these trials and remedies will likely have significant implications for how digital advertising and search markets operate in the future, potentially reshaping Google’s business practices and the broader tech landscape[1][2][4].
In summary, Google is under fire from regulators today because it is accused of using its dominant market positions in advertising technology and search to unfairly exclude competitors, maintain monopolies, and control critical data and AI infrastructure. These practices have led to legal rulings against Google and ongoing court proceedings to determine how to restore competition and prevent future anticompetitive conduct.