Google may have to make changes to its search services in the UK to ensure greater competition, the watchdog has said. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is investigating the American technology giant under a new law which means the regulator can demand changes at a firm if it is found to hold too much power in a particular market. Google accounts for more than 90% of searches in the UK and 200,000 businesses use the company's search advertising to reach customers. The firm said it would "work constructively" with the CMA but said the announcement presented "clear challenges" to its UK operations. The CMA said it was not accusing Google of anti-competitive practices at this time, but it has set out a "roadmap" of changes the company could make to its business ahead of a final decision in October. These could include requiring "choice" screens for users to access different search providers as well as more transparency and control for publishers whose content appears in search results. The watchdog launched an investigation into Google in January, which it said would look at ensuring fair competition in online search. Google's search operations have faced heightened scrutiny by other regulators. A US judge ruled last August that the companyhad operated an illegal search monopoly. It has also faced European Union enforcement action, including a €2.4bn (£2bn) fine for allegedly "self-preferencing" its Shopping comparison service in results.
Google may be forced to make changes to UK online search, says watchdog
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"CMA Investigates Google for Potential Changes to UK Search Services"
Bbc News
8.0
TruthLens AI Summary
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in the UK has indicated that Google may need to implement changes to its search services to promote greater competition within the market. This investigation arises under a new regulatory framework that empowers the CMA to mandate alterations if a company is deemed to possess excessive market power. Google currently dominates the UK search engine landscape, controlling over 90% of search queries, and serves around 200,000 businesses that rely on its search advertising for customer outreach. While Google has committed to engaging constructively with the CMA, it has also expressed concerns that the regulator's announcement poses significant challenges to its operations in the UK.
Although the CMA is not presently accusing Google of engaging in anti-competitive behavior, it has outlined a potential 'roadmap' of modifications that the company might have to adopt before a final decision is issued in October. Proposed changes could include the introduction of 'choice' screens that allow users to select from various search providers, as well as enhanced transparency and control for publishers regarding how their content is displayed in search results. This investigation, which commenced in January, aims to ensure fair competition in online search services, following increased scrutiny of Google's practices by regulators worldwide. Notably, a US court ruled last August that Google had maintained an illegal monopoly in search, and the company has also faced significant penalties from the European Union, including a €2.4 billion fine for allegedly favoring its own Shopping comparison service in search outcomes.
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