A federal judge overseeing the high-stakes antitrust case against Google’s advertising technology business signaled impatience as discussions turned to potential remedies. The Department of Justice has argued that Google’s dominant position in the ad-tech market harms competition and drives up costs for businesses relying on digital ads.
During Friday’s session, the judge asked prosecutors how quickly a structural remedy — potentially including a forced divestiture — could be implemented. This unusual question suggests the court may be seriously evaluating a breakup as a viable option. The judge emphasized that “time is of the essence,” hinting that prolonged delays could continue to harm the advertising ecosystem.
Legal analysts say that although the case still has procedural steps ahead, the court’s push for a faster timeline marks a pivotal moment in one of the most significant antitrust challenges of the decade.