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Judge Rules Google Illegally Dominates Online Ad Tech Market
- Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
- Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager
A U.S. judge ruled Google illegally dominates online ad tech markets, opening the door for antitrust action that could force a business breakup.
In a rush? Here are the quick facts:
- Case targets publisher ad servers and ad exchanges.
- DOJ may push Google to sell ad business.
- Google to appeal ruling on publisher tools.
A U.S. judge has ruled that Google broke the law by dominating key parts of the online advertising market, marking a major setback for the tech giant and clearing the way for the government to push for a breakup of its ad business, as first reported by Reuters .
U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema ruled that Google was “willfully acquiring and maintaining monopoly power” in two markets: publisher ad servers and ad exchanges. These tools help websites manage and sell ad space, which Brinkema called the “lifeblood” of the internet, reported Reuters.
“In addition to depriving rivals of the ability to compete, this exclusionary conduct substantially harmed Google’s publisher customers, the competitive process, and, ultimately, consumers of information on the open web,” she wrote, as reported by Reuters.
The ruling allows a future hearing to decide how Google must restore competition, possibly by forcing it to sell parts of its advertising arm. This comes after another court previously ruled that Google also holds a monopoly in online search.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) wants Google to sell its Google Ad Manager, which includes both the ad server and ad exchange. Reuters notes that the company had already considered selling its ad exchange to satisfy European regulators.
Reuters reports that U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi praised the decision as “a landmark victory in the ongoing fight to stop Google from monopolizing the digital public square.”
“This Department of Justice will continue taking bold legal action to protect the American people from encroachments on free speech and free markets by tech companies,” she added, as reported by Reuters.
Google says it will appeal. “We won half of this case and we will appeal the other half,” said Lee-Anne Mulholland, vice president of regulatory affairs. “Publishers have many options and they choose Google because our ad tech tools are simple, affordable and effective,” he added, as reported by Reuters.
Photo by Venti Views on Unsplash.
Strava Acquires Popular Running App Runna
- Written by Andrea Miliani Former Tech News Expert
- Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager
Strava, the American fitness tracking platform, announced on Thursday that it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire Runna, a fast-growing training app for runners based in London. While financial details of the deal have not been disclosed, it’s expected to be worth millions, given the widespread popularity and global reach of both platforms.
In a rush? Here are the quick facts:
- Strava acquired the British training app Runna, the financial details weren’t disclosed.
- The apps will continue to operate separately for now.
- Strava expects to accelerate innovation and expand its global community of 150 million users.
According to the press release , the new investment will allow Strava to continue its “unprecedented growth” and accelerate innovation in the expanding fitness tech market. Strava currently has over 150 million users in over 185 countries, and Runna—which operates in 180 nations—was among the top 3 apps in Apple’s App of the Year in 2024 ranking. With the acquisition, Strava now has control over two of the world’s largest digital fitness communities.
“Coming off Strava’s accelerated innovation and unprecedented growth last year, it was the right time to look for complementary businesses that could create even greater value for our users,” said Michael Martin, Strava’s chief executive officer. “Running is booming worldwide—nearly 1 billion runs were recorded on Strava in 2024. Runna’s mission to give every runner a personalized plan to achieve their goal is a perfect fit.”
Big news: Strava is acquiring Runna 🏃♀️ If you’re training for a 5K, 10K, half marathon or marathon, Runna’s got you – and Strava’s got your back. This is just the beginning. Join Team Runna on Strava: https://t.co/F3K0NKv6s3 pic.twitter.com/hAHG4jIPZO — Strava (@Strava) April 17, 2025
The fitness tech company also highlighted Gen Z’s interest in running and building online communities related to the sport. Strava said 43% of its users plan to participate in a race in 2025, and the users’ need for personalized training plans was one of the considerations for the new deal.
“Our plan is to keep the apps separate for the foreseeable future, to invest in growing the Runna team and further accelerate the development of the Runna app,” said Martin.
The details of the transaction have not been disclosed. However, according to The Times , it’s set to be around multiple million pounds. Runna was launched three years ago, has around 150 workers, and recently raised 8 million pounds—about $10 million—and has been profitable since 2023.
Other tech companies have also closed large deals in the past few days. The Bot Company, a robotics startup, recently raised $150 million , reaching a $2 billion valuation.
