UK Watchdog Targets Google Search Monopoly With New Rules: Google might soon have to make big changes to how its search engine works in the UK. One of those changes could be giving users the chance to pick a different search provider instead of using Google by default.
CMA Targets Google’s Dominance in UK Search Market
This comes after the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it’s planning to label Google as having “strategic market status.” In simpler terms, that means Google is so powerful in the search space that it needs extra rules to keep things fair, and the CMA would then have the authority to enforce those rules.
If the designation goes through, Google could face tougher oversight to make sure smaller competitors get a fair shot and users have more choice online.
Google, which handles over 90% of searches in the UK, could soon face new rules aimed at giving users more choice and making the market fairer.
AI Search Rivals of Google Search May Get a Spot on Choice Screens
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is considering requiring Google to offer “choice screens” so users can easily switch to other search engines – including AI-driven ones like Perplexity or ChatGPT. Other changes may include fairer search result rankings and giving publishers more control over how their content is used, especially in AI answers.
If approved in October, Google would be the first company regulated under the UK’s new digital markets law. The CMA may also look into making Google’s ad business more transparent, though it says that part could be more complex.
CMA chief Sarah Cardell called this a key step in building a fairer digital economy.
Cardell said: “These targeted and proportionate actions would give UK businesses and consumers more choice and control over how they interact with Google search services – as well as unlocking greater opportunities for innovation across the UK tech sector and broader economy.”
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it plans more action starting in 2026 to deal with complex issues like how Google treats rival search platforms and its control over search ads.
The CMA is also holding off on tackling Google’s default deals – like paying to be the top search engine on Apple devices – until a related US court case is resolved. A decision on whether Apple and Google’s smartphone platforms should also get special regulatory status is expected next month.
Tom Smith, a competition lawyer and former CMA legal director, said the watchdog “could have gone ‘harder and faster’ on Google” but is being careful not to appear anti-business. “It is, however, disappointing that some key measures that would benefit the news industry and local search providers have been delayed to next year,” he added.
This move is the CMA’s biggest step on tech regulation since Doug Gurr, Amazon’s former UK chief, became its chair. His appointment led to criticism that the government was too close to big tech.
Google Warns of Slower Product Launches in UK
Google responded to the CMA’s plans with concern. “We’re concerned that the scope of the CMA’s considerations remains broad and unfocused, with a range of interventions being considered before any evidence has been provided,” said Oliver Bethell, Google’s senior director for competition.
He also warned that new rules might delay future product launches in the UK. “The UK has historically benefited from early access to our latest innovations, but punitive regulations could change that,” he said.
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