1 / 9GLOBAL ANTITRUST PUSH: From AI integration deals to app store monopolies and digital ad practices, the world’s biggest tech companies face major antitrust cases. In 2025, Apple, Google, Meta, and OpenAI entered courts in the US, Europe, and the UK. Rivals, regulators, and class action groups allege that these firms block fair competition. Collectively, the cases mark an international effort to regulate Big Tech’s growing influence.
2 / 9MUSK TARGETS APPLE: In August 2025, Elon Musk’s companies, xAI and X (formerly Twitter), filed a 61-page lawsuit against Apple and OpenAI. The complaint claims Apple integrated ChatGPT into iOS unfairly and manipulated App Store rankings. Musk argues this excluded his AI system, Grok, and prevented fair market competition. He seeks damages and the dismantling of Apple–OpenAI exclusivity, escalating tensions in the generative AI industry.
3 / 9EPIC VICTORY RULING: Epic Games took Google to court, challenging its Google Play Store practices. The company claimed Google relied on exclusivity deals and billing restrictions to dominate app distribution. In July 2025, the US Ninth Circuit upheld a jury verdict siding with Epic. This decision lifted an injunction stay against Google. Epic aims to restore Fortnite and its game store on Android, while Google pursues further appeals.
4 / 9OpenX SUES GOOGLE: On August 4, 2025, adtech company OpenX Technologies launched a federal antitrust lawsuit against Google. The case centres on Google’s practices in digital advertising. OpenX alleges Google manipulated ad auctions and forced publishers to use its products. According to the filing, these practices caused financial harm and suppressed rivals in the adtech market. The case adds another challenge to Google’s control of online advertising.
5 / 9Doj vs. Google: In April 2025, a federal court ruled Google illegally monopolised digital advertising markets, violating Sections 1 and 2 of the Sherman Act. The case was filed in January 2023 by the US Department of Justice and several states, including Virginia. Google is now appealing the decision. The ruling highlights US regulators’ efforts to restrict Google’s power over the online advertising ecosystem.
6 / 9APPLE MONOPOLY CLAIMS: In June 2025, the US Department of Justice and multiple states continued their lawsuit against Apple over smartphone dominance. The case alleges Apple suppresses competition through App Store rules, messaging restrictions, NFC access limits, and the blocking of “super apps.” Apple attempted to dismiss the case, but a judge denied the motion. The trial now proceeds, focusing on Apple’s control of the iOS ecosystem.
7 / 9META ON TRIAL: The Federal Trade Commission, joined by 46 states, is prosecuting Meta Platforms for maintaining an unlawful monopoly in social networking. The case argues that Meta achieved this by acquiring Instagram and WhatsApp. The trial began in April 2025, with CEO Mark Zuckerberg testifying on the opening day. The proceedings test whether past acquisitions can be reversed to restore competition in the social networking market.
8 / 9UK CLASS ACTION: In April 2025, a major class action was filed against Google in the UK Competition Appeal Tribunal. Plaintiffs allege Google forced pre-installation of its search engine and browser, overcharged businesses for advertising, and unfairly promoted its own services. The lawsuit seeks £5 billion in damages. This represents one of the largest collective legal challenges against Google in Europe’s competition law landscape.
9 / 9GLOBAL LEGAL TREND: These lawsuits span different jurisdictions but share similar claims: Big Tech firms use dominant positions to block rivals and strengthen monopolies. Cases range from smartphone ecosystems to advertising auctions and AI partnerships. With courts in the US, UK, and Europe actively involved, the legal pressure is coordinated. Outcomes could reshape how technology markets operate globally and affect billions of users and businesses.
