Google could be forced to change search in the UK

"The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) confirmed the designation on Friday, giving it new powers to impose rules on Google's search and advertising businesses, which account for more than 90 per cent of online searches in the UK."

"Instead, it opens the door to potential interventions later this year, including requirements for Google to offer users "choice screens" for alternative search engines, new ranking rules, as well as more control for publishers over how their content appears online."

"Google maintains a strategic position in the search and search advertising sector, with more than 90 per cent of searches in the UK taking place on its platform. Having taken into account feedback following our proposed decision, we have today designated Google's search services with strategic market status."

"UK businesses and consumers have been amongst the first to benefit from Google's innovations, often months before their European counterparts. Many of the ideas for interventions raised in this process would inhibit UK innovation and growth, potentially slowing product launches at a time of profound AI-based innovation."

The Competition and Markets Authority designated Google's search services with strategic market status under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act. The designation grants the CMA powers to impose rules on Google's search and advertising businesses, which account for more than 90 percent of UK online searches. The status does not find wrongdoing but enables interventions such as mandatory choice screens for alternative search engines, new ranking rules, and increased publisher control over content appearance. Google cautioned that prescriptive interventions could slow innovation and harm UK businesses, noting potential impacts on AI-era product launches.

Read at City AM