Google Fights To Prevent A Breakup Of Its Business

Google is fiercely lobbying US authorities to reconsider the plan to break up its parent company, Alphabet, as the tech giant braces for the potential fallout of antitrust actions.

Key Facts

Last week, representatives from Google met with officials from the Trump administration in an attempt to persuade the government to soften its stance on breaking up Alphabet’s business. This appeal comes in the wake of a significant antitrust case that began in August last year and is expected to culminate in rulings and decisions over the coming months. A federal judge is set to rule on how Google must change its business practices, with hearings scheduled for next month. Both sides will present their final proposals on Friday, and a decision is expected in August.

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Kye Story

The US Department of Justice has filed two antitrust cases against Google: one focused on the search engine business and the other on its advertising operations. In October, it became evident that the government was considering forcing Google to divest major assets such as Chrome and Android—key components that help maintain its dominance in online search. Google has strongly objected to this, calling the demand “radical” and vowing to appeal, arguing that it “goes far beyond the legal issues in this case.”

What Are The Offers?

Search Distribution: The government proposes limiting or eliminating default search agreements, pre-installations, and revenue-sharing deals. This would also involve separating Chrome, Play, and Android from Google and limiting its control over emerging technologies like AI.
Data Access and Use: The plan calls for mandatory sharing of Google’s databases, algorithms, and AI models, alongside enhanced transparency requirements for search results and advertising ranking signals. It also proposes a ban on using personal, privacy-sensitive data.
Search Monopoly: Google’s ability to use contracts that restrict competitors’ access to web content would be limited.
Advertising Practices: Google would be required to restructure and refine its advertising tools, including those powered by AI.

The Big Number

$2.10 trillion – Alphabet’s market capitalization, making it the fifth-largest company globally, just behind Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Amazon.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Strained Household Finances: Eurostat Data Reveals Persistent Payment Delays Across Europe and in Cyprus

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 22, 2025

Improved Financial Resilience Amid Ongoing Strains

Over the past decade, Cypriot households have significantly increased their ability to manage debts—not only bank loans but also rent and utility bills. However, recent Eurostat data indicates that Cyprus continues to lag behind the European average when it comes to covering financial obligations on time.

Household Coping Strategies and the Limits of Payment Flexibility

While many families are managing their fixed expenses with relative ease, one in three Cypriots struggles to cover unexpected costs. This delicate balancing act highlights how routine payments such as mortgage installments, rent, and utility bills are met, but precariously so, with little room for unplanned financial shocks.

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Breaking Down Payment Delays Across the European Union

Eurostat reports that nearly 9.2% of the EU population experienced delays with their housing loans, rent, utility bills, or installment payments in 2024. The situation is more acute among vulnerable groups: 17.2% of individuals in single-parent households with dependent children and 16.6% in households with two adults managing three or more dependents faced payment delays. In every EU nation, single-parent households exhibited higher delay rates compared to the overall population.

Cyprus in the Crosshairs: High Rates of Financial Delays

Although Cyprus recorded a notable 19.1 percentage point improvement from 2015 to 2024 in delays related to mortgages, rent, and utility bills, the island nation still ranks among the top five countries with the highest delay rates. As of 2024, 12.5% of the Cypriot population had outstanding housing loans or rent and overdue utility bills. In contrast, Greece tops the list with 42.8%, followed by Bulgaria (18.7%), Romania (15.3%), Spain (14.2%), and other EU members. Notably, 19 out of 27 EU countries reported delay rates below 10%, with Czech Republic (3.4%) and Netherlands (3.9%) leading the pack.

Selective Improvements and Emerging Concerns

Between 2015 and 2024, the overall EU population saw a 2.6 percentage point decline in payment delays. Despite this, certain countries experienced increases: Luxembourg (+3.3 percentage points), Spain (+2.5 percentage points), and Germany (+2.0 percentage points) saw a rise in payment delays, reflecting underlying economic pressures that continue to challenge financial stability.

Economic Insecurity and the Unprepared for Emergencies

Another critical indicator explored by Eurostat is the prevalence of economic insecurity—the proportion of the population unable to handle unexpected financial expenses. In 2024, 30% of the EU population reported being unable to cover unforeseen costs, a modest improvement of 1.2 percentage points from 2023 and a significant 7.4 percentage point drop compared to a decade ago. In Cyprus, while 34.8% still report difficulty handling emergencies, this marks a drastic improvement from 2015, when the figure stood at 60.5%.

A Broader EU Perspective

Importantly, no EU country in 2024 had more than half of its population facing economic insecurity—a notable improvement from 2015, when over 50% of the population in nine countries reported such challenges. These figures underscore both progress and persistent vulnerabilities within European households, urging policymakers to consider targeted measures for enhancing financial resilience.

For further insights and detailed analysis, refer to the original reports on Philenews and Housing Loans.

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