Google has appealed a US ruling that in 2024 found the company had an illegal monopoly in internet search and search advertising, reports CNBC. After a special hearing on penalties, the court decided in 2025 on milder measures than those originally proposed by the US Department of Justice.

Among other things, Google will not have to sell its Chrome browser, but will have to share certain anonymized search data and will be restricted in future exclusive agreements, for example with Apple. Google now wants to pause these requirements and warns that they could harm user privacy and stifle innovation.

The company’s Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, Lee-Anne Mulholland, writes that the previous decision ignores rapid technological development and fierce competition from established competitors and well-funded start-ups, and argues that users choose Google voluntarily.