Brussels has opened a major investigation into Google over claims the company pushes news lower in search results.
EU officials say early findings suggest news sites lose visibility when they host paid promotional material from outside partners.
Brussels believes Google may have applied its anti-spam rules in an unfair way that hurts media income.
Google denies wrongdoing and says the probe threatens European users and misreads the purpose of its long-standing search policy.
The inquiry targets Alphabet under the Digital Markets Act, a law designed to curb powerful online platforms across the bloc.
If officials find a breach, Alphabet could face fines reaching ten percent of worldwide revenue.
The move comes despite warnings from Washington about stricter digital rules and possible tariffs on European goods.
Investigators will examine Google’s reputation policy, which targets content that attempts to manipulate search rankings through paid promotion.
Some fear the policy removes trusted news sites from results, though Brussels has not confirmed such cases.
Google argues the rules protect search quality and prevent deceptive behaviour that harms genuine publishers.
The Commission aims to understand how these practices affect revenue at a difficult moment for European media.
The investigation is expected to finish within twelve months.
Publishers hope the probe will force greater transparency around ranking decisions that shape online readership.
Several industry groups say falling traffic threatens jobs and weakens democratic debate across Europe.
Advocates argue stronger oversight could help restore trust in digital platforms and support a healthier media economy.
More scrutiny expected.
