Tue, 24 Jun 2025

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 Google may be forced to link to rival search platforms in the UK

The Competition and Markets Authority says it wants to open up the UK search market.

* The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into Google under new laws that allow regulators to demand changes if a company holds too much power in a particular market.
* Google dominates online search in the UK, accounting for over 90% of searches, and its parent company Alphabet is required to make changes ahead of a final decision in October.
* The CMA has set out a "roadmap" of potential changes that could include: + Requiring "choice" screens for users to access different search providers + More transparency and control for publishers whose content appears in search results
* Google said the proposed changes are "broad and unfocused" but will work constructively with the regulator.
* The CMA said the investigation aims to make online markets more open, competitive, and innovative, and that proposed changes would give UK businesses and consumers more choice and control over how they interact with Google's search services.
* Airlines, adult online retailers, and media publishers have previously complained about Google's search practices, including changes to its European Union operations under the Digital Markets Act.
* Trade associations have expressed concerns about the potential impact on businesses and consumers of any regulatory changes.
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