As Google's antitrust trial wraps, DOJ seeks sanctions over missing messages

The antitrust trial against Google has concluded, with the DOJ accusing the tech giant of monopolistic practices in the search and advertising markets. Google is criticized for allegedly securing exclusive contracts with phone manufacturers and browser companies, which could have stifled competition. Additionally, Google is under scrutiny for not retaining potentially relevant chat messages, a point the DOJ emphasized could indicate anticompetitive intent.

Judge Amit Mehta, presiding over the case, expressed the significant impact of the trial's outcome not only for Google but for the public as well. The DOJ argues that Google's actions restricted market competition, potentially leading to higher advertising costs with no suitable alternatives for advertisers. The final decision now rests with Judge Mehta, who will determine if Google's practices have indeed been anticompetitive as alleged.