A U.S. judge ruled that Google violated antitrust laws by spending billions to establish an illegal monopoly as the default search engine, marking a significant victory for federal authorities challenging Big Tech’s dominance.

The decision sets the stage for a second trial to determine potential remedies, which could include breaking up Google’s parent company, Alphabet.

District Judge Amit Mehta declared Google a monopolist controlling 90% of the online search market.

The ruling could lead to lengthy legal proceedings and appeals.

Alphabet’s shares fell 4.5%, and the company plans to appeal the decision, Reuters has reported.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland hailed the ruling as a historic win, emphasizing that no company is above the law.

Written by B.C. Begley