UK opens antitrust investigation into Google's search practices

UK CMA launches antitrust probe into Google for competitive practices.

: The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has opened an antitrust investigation into Google's search and advertising practices. This is the agency's first investigation under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers (DMCC) Act that started on January 1, 2025. The investigation will assess if Google is obstructing innovation, favoring its own services, or misusing user data. Comments are welcomed until February 3, and the investigation could last nine months.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in the UK has initiated an antitrust investigation into Google’s search and advertising practices. This is a response to concerns that Google might be limiting external innovation, prioritizing its services, and handling user data without adequate consent.

This represents the CMA's inaugural probe under the UK's Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers (DMCC) Act, which became effective on January 1, 2025. The Act empowers the CMA to label companies with 'Strategic Market Status' (SMS), granting it enhanced regulatory oversight over digital services such as Google's search and search advertising.

The objective is to create a level playing field especially with the evolving landscape due to AI. The CMA’s Chief Executive, Sarah Cardell, highlighted the significance of ensuring fair outcomes as 90% of UK searches occur on Google, with over 200,000 businesses advertising through them. Feedback is invited until February 3, with the investigation potentially spanning nine months.

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