UK Regulator May Force Google to Change Search Rankings

Contact Your Elected Officials

Google warned that ‘punitive regulations’ could prevent UK consumers from having early access to its latest innovations.

The UK’s competition regulator said it could force Google to change how it ranks search results.

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is proposing to designate Alphabet-owned Google with “strategic market status,” it said on June 24.

In January 2025, new responsibilities for the CMA came into force under the wide-reaching Digital Markets, Competition, and Consumers Act, giving the UK’s competition watchdog the power to intervene in search services.

The designation could compel Google to enhance transparency for publishers (including in artificial intelligence-generated responses), ensure “non-discriminatory ranking” of search results, and simplify access to rival search services.

The CMA has said it will make a final decision on the “strategic market status” designation in October.

CMA Chief Executive Sarah Cardell said the actions were “targeted and proportionate.”

“[They will] give UK businesses and consumers more choice and control over how they interact with Google’s search services, as well as unlocking greater opportunities for innovation across the UK tech sector and broader economy,” she said.

The regulator said Google searches account for more than 90 percent of all general search queries in the UK and that more than 200,000 businesses in the UK rely on Google advertising to reach their customers.

In a statement on June 24, Google said, “[The CMA has] reiterated that ‘strategic market status’ does not imply that anti-competitive behaviour has taken place, yet this announcement presents clear challenges to critical areas of our business in the UK.”

“We’re concerned 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 company said.

“The UK has historically benefited from early access to our latest innovations, but punitive regulations could change that.”

Under the Digital Markets, Competition, and Consumers Act, authorities are able to impose substantial fines for noncompliance.

The UK has implemented a range of far-reaching internet laws.

Hailed by the UK government as the world’s first online safety law, the Online Safety Act (OSA) became law in October 2023, but the duties related to the regulation of so-called illegal content took effect in March 2025.


By Owen Evans

Read Full Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

Cherished Unalienable Rights

In the USA, the “rights” of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are written endowments, supposedly, held sacred, and secured and protected by govt.

ANOTHER Private Bill Gates-Trump Meeting in the White House — Why?

The notion that Bill Gates concerns himself with “protecting Americans’ health” is so delusional that anyone buying that is too far gone to be saved.

Here’s What the US’ Security Guarantees For Ukraine Might Look Like

Western security guarantees for Ukraine are one of the main issues delaying a political resolution to the conflict. Russia launched its SMO primarily in response to NATO-emanating threats from Ukraine.

The Cost of Anger

I will not write much here. There are no words I can say. I only wish to remember those forgotten casualties, the unseen cost of the current antagonism in America.

Another Mass Trans Shooter Not to be Discussed

Robin (Robert) Westman was identified by police as the suspect behind a shooting at a Catholic school that left two children dead and 17 others injured.

Gov. Greg Abbott Signs Texas Redistricting Map Favoring Republicans

TX Gov. Greg Abbott signed bill into law aimed at flipping 5 U.S. House seats Texas in Republicans’ favor amid a redistricting battle that includes CA.

Fox and YouTube TV Reach Carriage Deal, Preventing Disruption for Subscribers

Fox Corp and YouTube reached a deal to renew their carriage agreement, ensuring Fox channels remain available on YouTube TV.

At Wisconsin Steel Plant, Vance Touts Tax Cuts and Spending Bill

VP Vance told workers at the Mid-City Steel in La Crosse, WI, that tax cuts and federal spending outlined in a new law will benefit working-class Americans.

Child Who Shielded Friends During Minneapolis School Shooting Praised by Officials

Officials praised children at Annunciation Catholic School in MN who put themselves in harm’s way to protect their friends during a mass shooting.

Trump Admin Removes Secret Service Protection for Former VP Harris, Official Says

VP Harris' Secret Service protection was revoked. Former vice presidents generally get federal protection for six months after they leave office.

Trump Admin Moves to Cut $4.9 Billion in Foreign Aid Funding

President Donald Trump on Aug. 28 moved to cancel $4.9 billion in appropriated funds for foreign aid spending.

Health Official Tapped to Be Acting Director of CDC

Trump has chosen HHS Deputy Secretary Jim O'Neill as the CDC’s acting director, an administration official told The Epoch Times on Aug. 29.

US Tariff Exemption for Low-Cost Imports Has Ended

On Aug. 29, the United States ended a trade policy that facilitated the shipment of low-value goods into the country for years.
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

MAGA Business Central