UK Competition Regulator Proposes New Oversight on Google’s Search Services
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced on Tuesday that it is proposing to grant “strategic market status” to Google, a move aimed at increasing oversight of the tech giant’s search services.
According to the CMA, Google currently handles over 90% of general search queries in the UK, making it a key gateway to the internet for millions of users and a vital advertising platform for more than 200,000 UK businesses.
If the designation moves forward, which could happen as early as October, the CMA said it may implement several measures to promote fair competition. These could include:
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Making it easier for users to access alternative search engines
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Introducing fair ranking principles for businesses in search results
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Providing greater transparency and control for publishers whose content appears in search results
This proposal marks the first time a company would be designated under the UK’s new Digital Markets Competition Regime, which was introduced earlier this year to encourage innovation and curb anti-competitive behavior in digital markets.
In response, Google expressed concern over the potential scope and impact of the proposed measures.
The CMA’s proposal is now subject to consultation, with a final decision expected later this year.
