US District Judge Amit Mehta Orders Google to Share Parts of Search Index and History

In a landmark decision, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta ordered Google to share parts of its search index and certain search data with select competitors, said "The New York Times." According to "NPR," this federal antitrust case was led by the Justice Department. The case accuses Google of maintaining an online search monopoly, limiting competition and harming consumers.

Under the order, smaller search engines will gain limited access

to Google’s index and behavioral data to help improve their services and algorithms, said "NPR." "The New York Times" added that this ruling could help level the playing field in a market where Google handles about 90% of all global searches.

Students reflected on the potential impact of the ruling. Lauren Wah ’26 admitted that she “[doesn’t] really care what they see.” She elaborated that she believes Google and other search engines may use this data to “personalize ads and tailor the algorithm.”

Malia Humphries-Do ’26 thinks that “[Google will] counter sue...and still keep their monopoly on the market.” Google’s dominance has raised concerns not only about competition but also about privacy.

According to "NPR," the anonymized data can reveal patterns about user behavior, including interests and habits. Even when stripping data of identifying details, Google may potentially be able to trace it back to individuals using advanced techniques.

Wah noted that she is “not con- scious” about how her data is stored and used and thinks that “most people [don’t] think about it that often.”

Students also commented on their dependence on Google for day-to-day tasks. “I rely on Google for school work all the time as it has all the websites I need,” said Shana Fisher ’27. “I also use it in my daily life when I need to look something up.”

Beyond its marketing potential, search data is a strategic asset forcompanies. As Gabby Gross ’27 explained, search history “helps predict consumer behavior and tailor services, which will help the company make more money.”

For students, the case also sparked conversations about technological alternatives. While some students expressed that a shift in platforms would be challenging, others pre- sented interest. Fisher noted that she “would consider using another search engine if it [offered] more privacy and better answers.”

"The New York Times" said that ultimately, this ruling is a part of a broader global movement to regu late large tech firms and limit their influence. As governments pursue antitrust and privacy actions, the outcome of this case may influence future digital policy and shape how companies handle user data.