A federal judge in Virginia is set to deliver a swift ruling in the antitrust case against Google over its alleged monopoly of online advertising technology, after both sides presented closing arguments in Alexandria.
The US Justice Department (DOJ) accused Google of illegally dominating the online ad tech market, with DOJ lawyer Aaron Teitelbaum asserting that Google "rigged the rules of the road" and acted as a "three times monopolist."
The case centers on Google's control of the auction system that determines which ads appear when people browse the internet. Prosecutors argue that Google leveraged its financial might to acquire potential competitors and force advertisers and publishers to use its technology.
Google's defense team, led by lawyer Karen Dunn, rejected these claims, describing them as an attempt to interfere with market dynamics. Dunn warned that if Google loses, other tech giants like Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon would be the main beneficiaries.
The trial spans broader efforts by US authorities to check Big Tech's market power. In a separate recent case, a Washington judge ruled Google's search business was an illegal monopoly.
If Judge Leonie Brinkema finds Google violated antitrust laws, the company could be forced to sell off Google Ad Manager - its platform that includes publisher ad servers and ad exchange services.
The case highlights mounting pressure on Google's $3 trillion parent company Alphabet. While Google maintains the display ads represent only a fraction of the ad tech industry, prosecutors compare Google's practices to classic monopolistic behavior.
Legal experts expect any ruling will face appeals, potentially reaching the US Supreme Court. Judge Brinkema plans to issue her decision as early as next month.