UK aims to tackle Google dominance of online search / Photo: Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV - AFP/File
-
Canada's Carney stands up to Trump, despite risks
-
Pogacar wins Vuelta a Espana opening stage
-
Lens hammer Auxerre thanks to Thauvin penalty double
-
Clinical New Zealand shock wasteful South Africa in first Test
-
No singles for Serena, but she joins Alcaraz for US Open
-
Canada hits back with new tariffs after trade talks with US fail
-
Joao Pedro extends Chelsea stay with new long-term deal
-
Swedish police identify 17-year-old girl as victim in school sword attack
-
Yamaguchi to face An in hunt for fourth badminton world crown
-
Carrick keeps calm despite Man Utd misery, Sage beaten in first game as Palace boss
-
Norris clinches pole for Dutch GP
-
France to deliver interceptor missiles to Ukraine after new Russian strikes
-
Norris clinches pole for Dutch Grand Prix
-
Serena Williams and Alcaraz unite in US Open mixed doubles
-
Pope Leo calls for courage in Rimini visit after stop in tiny San Marino
-
Macron pledges air defence as 13 killed in Russia, Ukraine strikes
-
Man Utd must learn from 'frustrating' defeat at Hull: Carrick
-
DR Congo capital wary of Ebola nightmare
-
Yamaguchi on course for fourth badminton world crown
-
Swedish police name 17-year-old girl as victim in school sword attack
-
Man Utd humiliated by Hull in dismal start to Premier League season
-
South Korea sends first container ship through Arctic route
-
Anthropic market debut could break SpaceX IPO record: media
-
Trescothick eager to keep England job despite Hussey approach
-
Pope's 'couturier of the sacred' fueled by faith
-
Indonesia deploys hundreds of soldiers to tackle Borneo fires
-
Duplantis locked in on 'grinding' for big bars
-
The last lap: Fans, drivers bid fond farewell to Dutch GP
-
Stokes says decision to leave Headingley off Ashes roster 'shambolic'
-
Silesia Diamond League: four events to watch
-
New arrival Rodri to miss Elche opener: Barca's Flick
-
Russell wins Dutch GP sprint race, Antonelli fourth
-
Atletico's Alvarez to return against Villarreal: Simeone
-
Mercedes driver George Russell wins Dutch GP sprint race
-
Dozens of civilians killed, kidnapped as jihadists clash in Nigeria
-
Ukraine strikes kill two children after Russia's deadly mall attack
-
Former envoys urge joint French, UK action on Palestinian territories
-
Pope visits San Marino, before addressing Italian political gathering
-
Australia lead by 101 in 2nd Bangladesh Test as 18 wickets fall on day one
-
Trump tariffs heap up as Canada tries to curb US reliance
-
'Aura' battles leap from social media to Latin America streets
-
Australia lose three wickets after skittling Bangladesh for 64
-
US, Canada fail to reach trade pact to avert Trump tariffs
-
Bangladesh all out for 64 in 2nd Test after Starc masterclass
-
Sudan farms lie barren as El Nino leaves Nile banks dry
-
Odyssey effect: stars sell Greece to a new wave of US tourists
-
Arctic shipping a daunting prospect in hotly contested region
-
South Korea to send first container ship through Arctic route
-
In US, rare earths extracted from coal mine wastewater
-
Starc takes 5-11 to leave Bangladesh reeling in 2nd Test
UK aims to tackle Google dominance of online search
Britain's competition watchdog on Tuesday proposed measures aimed at tackling Google's dominance in online search, with the US tech giant warning that "punitive regulations" could impact UK economic growth.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it proposes to designate Google with "strategic market status", subjecting it to special requirements under new UK regulations.
A similar tech competition law from the European Union, the Digital Markets Act, carries the potential for hefty financial penalities.
Britain's CMA in January launched an investigation into Google's dominant position in the search engine market and its impacts on consumers and businesses.
It followed the 2025 implementation of Britain's Digital Markets Competition Regime, which the regulator on Tuesday said "can help unlock opportunities for innovation and growth".
Google's spokesman on competition, Oliver Bethell, warned that the CMA update, preceding a final outcome due in October, "could have significant implications for businesses and consumers in the UK".
"The positive impact of Google Search on the UK is undeniable. Our tools and services contribute billions of pounds (dollars) a year to the UK," he added in a statement.
While noting that "Google Search has delivered tremendous benefits", CMA chief executive Sarah Cardell said "there are ways to make these markets more open, competitive and innovative".
The regulator said that it plans to consult on potential changes, including "ensuring people can easily choose and switch between search services -- including potentially AI assistants -- by making default choice screens a legal requirement".
Another proposal is for "ensuring Google's ranking and presentation of search results is fair and non-discriminatory".
Bethell expressed concern 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".
The CMA noted that "Google Search accounts for more than 90 percent" of online enquiries in the UK.
It added that more than 200,000 businesses in the UK rely on Google search advertising to reach customers.
L.Hussein--SF-PST
