Google could soon face dramatic changes to its search engine in the UK, according to a warning from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
The regulator believes Google may hold too much power over how people search online and how content is shared or displayed. It launched an investigation into the tech giant in January and may soon give it “strategic market status”.
That title would force Google to follow stricter rules, including offering users easier access to rival search engines. It may also require Google to give news publishers more control over how their content appears, especially in AI-generated responses.
Google currently handles over 90% of searches in the UK and supports more than 200,000 businesses that rely on it to reach customers.
A major concern raised by the CMA is that Google’s dominance could limit innovation and choice for both consumers and companies.
In response, Google said it would work “constructively” with the CMA but warned that the proposals could seriously affect its UK operations.
Oliver Bethell, Google’s competition director, said some of the plans are too broad and may damage future innovation.
Meanwhile, CMA chief Sarah Cardell stressed that Google has delivered huge benefits, but now is the time to ensure fairer competition.
A final decision on whether Google must make these changes will be made by October, after the consultation period ends.
If approved, the changes could reshape how millions of people use the internet in the UK.
