Google files to appeal decision in search monopoly case

Google filed a notice on Friday to appeal a federal judge’s ruling that it held an illegal monopoly on online search, court records show.

A US district judge decided in 2024 that the internet giant had a monopoly on search and text advertising through exclusive distribution agreements that made it the “default” option people were likely to use.

On Friday, Google said the ruling “ignored the reality that people use Google because they want to, not because they’re forced to.”