Google seeks delay on data-sharing order as it appeals search monopoly ruling

Google has asked a US appeals court to pause a directive requiring it to share search data with rivals, arguing the move could expose trade secrets while it challenges a landmark ruling on search monopoly practices.

Google has requested a federal judge to delay enforcing an order that would require the company to share certain data with competitors, including ChatGPT-maker OpenAI, as it continues to contest a major antitrust ruling against its search business.

According to court filings, the request comes amid Google’s appeal of a 2024 decision by US District Judge Amit Mehta in Washington, who held that the technology giant unlawfully maintained dominance in online search. The ruling found that Google’s extensive use of exclusive agreements made its search engine the default option across devices, limiting competition in both search and text advertising.

Google pushes back against data-sharing mandate

In its appeal, Google has argued that Judge Mehta exceeded his authority by directing the company to share proprietary data with rivals while the legal challenge is still ongoing. The company warned that complying with the data-sharing requirement before the appeal is resolved could result in irreversible harm, including the loss of confidential business information.

Google maintained that users choose its search engine voluntarily rather than through coercion. In a public statement, the company said the ruling failed to fully consider the pace of innovation and the level of competition it faces from both established technology firms and well-funded startups operating in search and artificial intelligence.

However, Google clarified that it is not seeking to pause other aspects of the court’s earlier remedies. These include obligations related to privacy protections and data security safeguards for users. The company said it is prepared to comply with all requirements except those that would involve handing over its data or sharing syndicated search results and advertising information while the appeal remains pending.

Background of a long-running antitrust battle

The case against Google dates back to 2020, when the US Department of Justice filed the lawsuit during President Donald Trump’s first term. After a trial in late 2023, Judge Mehta ruled in August 2024 that Google had illegally monopolised the search market through agreements with smartphone makers such as Apple and Samsung. Under these deals, Google paid more than $20 billion annually to secure default placement, effectively blocking rivals from key distribution channels.

Following a second trial in spring 2025, the judge rejected calls to force Google to sell its Chrome browser. He allowed Google to continue bidding for default placement of its search and AI apps but ordered that such agreements be rebid annually, opening the door for increased competition.