Google Faces Major Antitrust Trial Over Its Ad Tech Business
Washington, September 22, 2025 – Google is once again in the spotlight as a new federal court trial begins on Monday, focusing on the company’s dominance in the digital advertising market.
This latest case will determine whether Google must restructure parts of its ad technology business after a previous ruling found the company had maintained an unfair advantage in the sector.
What the Case is About
The trial centers on Google’s advertising tools, often referred to as its ad tech stack. These are the systems that connect website publishers selling ad space with advertisers looking to reach audiences. Earlier this year, Judge Leonie Brinkema ruled that Google had an illegal monopoly in this market.
Now, the court will consider what penalties or changes Google must make. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is pushing for Google to spin off parts of its ad operations and temporarily step back from running its own ad exchange.
Google’s Response
Google strongly disagrees with these demands. The company says breaking up its business would be harmful to smaller businesses and advertisers, while also being technically unrealistic.
“We’ve said from the start that DOJ’s case misunderstands how digital advertising works and ignores how much the industry has changed,” said Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google’s Vice President of Regulatory Affairs.
A Global Spotlight
This case is not limited to the U.S. In Europe, regulators recently fined Google nearly €3 billion for similar issues with its control of ad technology. Critics there also argue that stronger action may be needed to ensure fair competition.
What Happens Next
The trial is expected to last about a week, followed by closing arguments later this year. A decision could shape the future of how digital advertising works — not only for Google but also for publishers, advertisers, and internet users worldwide.
This case comes just weeks after another U.S. court rejected a government request to break up Google’s Chrome browser, a decision widely viewed as a win for the company.
With multiple antitrust cases ongoing, Google and other tech giants remain under heavy scrutiny as governments seek to limit monopolistic practices in the digital age.
