Google Dodges Android and Chrome Breakup in Antitrust Ruling, Told to Drop Exclusive Deals
After nearly five years of legal mud-wrestling with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Google has walked out of court grinning. The judge has spoken: no,..
✨ Key Highlights
After nearly five years, Google has largely triumphed in its antitrust battle with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), avoiding a breakup of Android or Chrome and retaining the ability to pay partners for default search status. The ruling, however, prevents exclusive contracts and mandates limited data sharing with competitors, impacting Kenyans by keeping smartphone prices stable and Chrome secure.
- Google will not be forced to sell Chrome or spin off Android, and Americans will not see mandatory search engine choice screens.
- The court allowed Google to continue paying partners like Apple, Samsung, and Mozilla to feature its search and apps.
- Google is now prohibited from striking exclusive contracts lasting over one year and must provide qualified competitors access to parts of its search index data, aiding rivals and allowing companies like Samsung more service freedom.
- For Kenyans, this means continued cheaper phones from brands like Tecno, Infinix, and Xiaomi, and a secure Chrome browser, which is the most used browser in Kenya.
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Samsung Launches Tab S10 in Kenya, Airtel Slashes 5G Prices, and Google Antitrust Ruling Impacts Users - September 2025
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra has officially launched in Kenya, offering a large-screen experience with advanced Galaxy AI features. In another development affecting local consumers, Airtel Kenya significantly dropped prices for its 5G Home Internet plans, with the 15Mbps plan now priced at KES 1,999/m. This move by Airtel is a direct response to increasing competition in the Kenyan 5G market. Additionally, Google largely triumphed in an antitrust battle with the U.S. Department of Justice, avoiding a breakup of Android or Chrome. The ruling, which prevents Google from using exclusive contracts, is noted to impact Kenyans by keeping smartphone prices stable and Chrome secure.
