Aiming at Google's search monopoly! The UK plans to invoke new regulations for the first time to strengthen control
The UK's competition regulator has proposed designating Google as a "strategic market position" company to strengthen control over its search engine business. This is the first recognition under the new technology regulation system, aimed at ensuring that Google's search result rankings are more equitable and simplifying user access to competing search services. Google currently holds over 90% market share in the UK, and the CMA stated that this move would provide more choices for businesses and consumers and promote innovation. Google has expressed concerns, believing that regulatory measures could have a significant impact on the market
According to the Zhitong Finance APP, the UK competition regulator announced on Tuesday that it is proposing to designate Google (GOOGL.US) as a "strategic market position" company to strengthen control over the search engine business of the American tech giant.
The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) stated that this is the first determination made under the newly introduced regulatory framework for tech giants in the UK, which will empower regulators to compel Google to ensure that the commercial ranking of its search results is fairer.
The authority also proposed that if the final determination is approved in October, it will take measures to require Google to simplify the process for users to access competing search services and provide greater transparency and control to publishers whose content appears in search results. Additionally, Google should enhance data portability to help new companies bring innovative products to market.
As the first subject of the new regulatory powers obtained by the UK this year, Google currently holds over 90% of the search market share in the UK. CMA Chief Executive Sarah Cardell stated that while Google has brought significant benefits to the market, regulators have found that there is still room to enhance competition and innovation in its market operations. She added that the CMA has developed a follow-up regulatory roadmap for Google.
"These targeted and moderate measures will provide more choices for UK businesses and consumers, allowing them to better control how they interact with Google's search services, while also unleashing more innovative opportunities for the UK tech industry and the overall economy," she pointed out.
Google, on the other hand, stated that this move could have significant implications for UK businesses and consumers. Google’s Senior Director of Competition Affairs, Oliver Bethell, expressed concern that "the CMA's scope of consideration remains broad and lacks focus—considering a series of intervention measures without providing any evidence first."
The CMA also revealed plans to take further action starting in 2026 to address more complex and long-term issues such as Google's treatment of vertical search competitors and the transparency of search advertising
