Britain’s competition watchdog has launched an investigation into Google to determine whether it has too much power in online search.
Google accounts for 90% of web searches – the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is looking into whether it is using this dominant position to harm competition or choice for consumers.
This is his first investigation after acquiring new powers to investigate and implement changes in firms that determine “strategic market position” in digital markets.
The CMA says it wants to ensure the tech giant is “delivering good outcomes for people and businesses” and that there is a “level playing field” for competitors.
Google said in a statement: “We will engage constructively with the CMA to ensure that the new rules benefit all types of websites, while still providing helpful and innovative services to people in the UK. be allowed to take advantage.”
It’s the latest in a string of investigations that Google has faced around the world over its enormous power in search and advertising technology.
In America, The government wants him to sell his browser, Chrome.To address competition concerns.
The CMA says potential changes include sharing the data Google collects with other businesses, or giving publishers more control over how their data is used for its artificial intelligence (AI) features. is included.
“Millions of people and businesses in the UK rely on Google’s search and advertising services,” Sarah Cardell, chief executive of the CMA, said on Tuesday.
“And for businesses, whether you’re a competing search engine, an advertiser or a news organization, we want to make sure there’s a level playing field for all businesses, large and small, to succeed.” He added, especially given the potential for AI to “transform” the market.
The CMA’s announcement of a Google search and advertising investigation follows a digital market competition regime that came into effect in January.
It gives the CMA powers to investigate firms that it believes may dominate or occupy a significant strategic position in a particular sector.
one Explainer on his website states that several conditions must be met before a company can determine “strategic market position.”
These include having a UK turnover of more than £1bn or a global turnover of £25bn, occupying a position of strategic importance or “market power” in relation to a particular digital activity.
CMA They say It will look at whether Google is using its position in search to prevent competitors from innovating or entering the market, or whether it is “self-prioritizing” its services.
It will also look at whether Google is collecting large amounts of user data without proper, informed consent.
“It’s our job to ensure people get the full benefit of choice and innovation in search services and get a fair deal – for example how their data is collected and stored,” Ms Cardell said. said
It will have nine months to conduct its investigation and will have two options if it deems Google to be a strategic market – impose rules on its conduct, or design to promote competition. to intervene.
It follows Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Hailed AI’s “vast potential” to transform public services..
In a speech on Monday, Sir Kerr said the recommendations of the AI Opportunities Action Plan – a set of proposals backed by a number of tech firms – would help boost the economy and make AI “work for working people”. will be implemented in the sectors.