Overview

• The Competition and Markets Authority has proposed labeling Google Search with strategic market status under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024.
• CMA findings highlight that Google holds over 90% of UK general search queries and faces concerns over high advertising costs, transparency and result rankings.
• Draft measures include mandatory choice screens for users, fair non-discriminatory ranking requirements and greater publisher control over AI-generated summaries.
• Google cautioned that broad, unfocused interventions could become a “roadblock to growth” and affect innovation and early access to new features.
• The CMA will launch a consultation on proposed interventions this summer with a final decision on designation expected by October 13, 2026.