Court Orders Changes to Google's Digital Advertising Technology

A U.S. federal judge has ordered Google to change several practices in its online advertising technology business, following a major antitrust case involving the company's role in digital advertising.

U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema said Google must make changes designed to increase competition in advertising technology markets. The court also ordered an antitrust compliance monitor to oversee Google's compliance for six years.

Publishers to Get Greater Access to Data

Under the court's remedies, Google must allow publishers to access and export their own data from parts of its advertising technology system. The company must also support integrations with competing technologies, including the open-source Prebid platform.

The Justice Department said the measures are intended to give publishers more flexibility when choosing advertising technology providers and reduce barriers for competitors.

Google Plans to Appeal

The ruling follows an earlier finding that Google maintained an illegal monopoly in parts of the online advertising technology market. The judge stopped short of ordering Google to sell its advertising technology businesses.

Google has said it disagrees with parts of the ruling and plans to appeal. The company has argued that breaking up its advertising technology operations could create difficulties for businesses that rely on its services.

The case highlights the growing regulatory focus on Big Tech, online advertising, digital competition and the infrastructure behind the internet economy.