United Kingdom, Sept. 3 -- Google will not be forced to sell its Chrome web browser or Android operating system but must share data with competitors and end exclusive contracts, a US federal judge has ruled.

The decision from District Judge Amit Mehta follows a years-long legal battle brought by the US Department of Justice over Google's dominance in online search.

At issue was the company's practice of making Google Search the default option on its own platforms, such as Chrome and Android, as well as on devices made by firms including Apple.

Prosecutors had pushed for a more drastic remedy - the sale of Chrome - but Judge Mehta rejected that demand.

Google said: "Today's decision recognizes how much the industry has changed through ...