UK aims to tackle Google dominance of online search / Photo: Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV - AFP/File
-
Spanish PM begins vote campaign overshadowed by housing protests
-
Palmer signs contract to stay at Chelsea until 2034
-
Putin told Trump about Iran's position on peace deal: Kremlin
-
India detains 'cockroach' movement leaders in bid to thwart election protest
-
Verstappen wins chaotic Singapore sprint after Russell crashes
-
Proposed next EU budget cut back in search for deal
-
Kiss tells Wallabies to 'return fire' after first loss as coach
-
All Blacks learn from 'failed' Springboks series to punish Wallabies
-
Russian strikes kill 11 including 3 children: Ukrainian authorities
-
Marquez grabs MotoGP championship lead after Indonesia sprint chaos
-
Russian teenager Andreeva breezes into China Open final
-
All Blacks extend Eden Park streak with big win over Wallabies
-
Major earthquake hits Panama, injures at least 27
-
Marquez grabs MotoGP championship lead with Indonesia sprint win
-
India detains 'cockroach' leaders ahead of election protest
-
Schauffele closes in on leaders after 'weird' round in Japan
-
'No divisions, no borders', French astronaut says of seeing Earth
-
Medvedev through at Shanghai Masters in first match since disqualification
-
India's 'cockroach' movement chief detained ahead of major protest
-
Trump sows doubt on plan to livestream US military execution
-
Year later, Gaza ceasefire promises mostly unfulfilled
-
Hunger and malnutrition stalk Gazans, a year on from ceasefire
-
Taiwan's leader says increasing defence spending to 'deter war'
-
Fernandez trumps MotoGP championship duo to grab Indonesia pole
-
Major quake hits Panama, no deaths reported
-
October 7 scars push Israel's first-time voters to right
-
Hurricane Isaias makes landfall in Florida
-
India deploys police, restricts transport ahead of major protest
-
Brazil prosecutors sue Shell for $108 mn over deadly 2024 floods
-
Three Mexicans convicted in murders of Australian, US surfers
-
Major earthquake destroys buildings, roads in Panama
-
Powerful waves lash California coast as storm threatens more damage
-
Anthropic AI model sent fake murder tip to Philadelphia police
-
Trump hails Russia deal to release diesel as midterms loom
-
7.7-magnitude quake rocks Panama, triggers tsunami warning
-
Lyon blow chance to go top after loss at Lens
-
Prince Harry booed at English rugby match
-
Stocks rise as Trump says Russia to release diesel to world markets
-
Kiplimo and Feysa seek repeat Chicago Marathon wins
-
Wildfire smoke shuts schools in Amazon's biggest city
-
Fuellkrug halts Dortmund after late goal flurry
-
Turkey jails 2 journalists pending trial for fund crisis 'misinformation'
-
Injured Ravens quarterback Jackson ruled out of Falcons clash
-
Major earthquake rocks Panama, triggers tsunami warning
-
Brewers aim to take down two-time defending champion Dodgers in NLCS rematch
-
Indian jailed in France for leading sadist Nazi cult that tortured girls
-
Tsunami alert after major earthquake rocks Panama
-
'Iron Mike' Ditka hailed as 'gold standard' NFL legend
-
Outer bands of Hurricane Isaias lash US Gulf Coast
-
Flydubai co-pilot planned suicide attack on Tel Aviv airport: UAE prosecutor
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
