Key Takeaways:

  • Google escaped major antitrust penalties—for now.
  • No Chrome or Android breakups… but ad dominance still under fire.
  • A DOJ case targeting Google Ads could permanently shift the marketplace.
  • Marketers should not rely solely on Google—diversify spend across CTV, OTT, LinkedIn, TikTok, and beyond.
  • AI-driven alternatives and AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) are already cutting into Google’s search monopoly.

Google just dodged a bullet.

A federal judge could have crushed the tech giant with one ruling. But instead, Google caught a lucky break.

The judge decided:

  • No forced asset sales as remedies in the antitrust case.
  • No Chrome spinoff—which would have crippled their search dominance.
  • No Android breakup—a ruling that keeps Google’s grip on mobile intact.

And even more shocking: the judge allowed Apple to keep Google as the default search engine on iPhones.

Why it matters to you

For marketers, this ruling means Google’s platforms remain largely unchanged—for now. But don’t mistake this for strength.

Google is still losing ground in AI.

Still bleeding search traffic to competitors.

Still hurting marketers with clunky tools and higher costs.

And the storm clouds aren’t gone.

The real danger ahead

The Department of Justice has another case teed up. And this one cuts to the heart of Google’s empire—digital advertising.

Judge Leonie Brinkema already ruled that Google used classic monopoly tactics to dominate online ads. The DOJ wants Google to spin off its Ad Manager, publisher ad server, and ad exchange.

If that happens, Google’s ad business could collapse overnight—radically reshaping how you and I buy media.

Bottom line

Google may have survived this round, but it’s far from safe. Multiple lawsuits, mounting AI failures, and frustrated advertisers are eating away at its foundation.

As a marketer, you need to prepare now:

  • Diversify your ad spend.
  • Test alternative platforms.
  • Watch the courts closely—because the next ruling could change everything.

The death of Google has been postponed. But the clock is still ticking.

Call to Action:

How should you navigate these uncertainties in digital marketing?

Don’t wait for a court ruling or another Google failure to blindside your campaigns.

Contact Michael today at 615-933-4647 or email him at [email protected]. See how we can help you build a diversified, future-proof strategy that reduces your dependence on Google, leverages AEO, and maximizes ROI across every channel.

FAQs:

Q: What happens if Google is forced to spin off Ad Manager?
A: The entire digital ad ecosystem could shift overnight, driving costs down on some platforms and up on others. Those prepared will gain a major competitive edge.

Q: Should I reduce my reliance on Google Ads now?
A: Yes. Begin reallocating budgets into other channels—particularly CTV/OTT bundles, direct mail retargeting, and AEO-friendly platforms—before the courts make the decision for you.

Q: Does Google’s weakness in AI really matter to marketers?
A: Absolutely. As AI-driven answer engines replace traditional search, Google’s relevance shrinks. Early movers into AEO will capture more visibility and cheaper leads.

About Craig Huey:

Craig Huey is president of Creative Direct Marketing Group (CDMG), a leading direct response advertising and marketing agency. He’s helped hundreds of companies—from startups to Fortune 500s—develop database marketing strategies that maximize ROI.

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