STORY
The Competition and Markets Authority has announced new conduct requirements for Google Search, including rules intended to improve transparency over search rankings and allow users to share their search data with authorised third parties. The regulator said the requirements apply to Google’s search services in the UK following its strategic market status designation.
The CMA said the new rules are intended to give businesses clearer information about how they appear in search results, including where AI Overviews are involved. It said the requirements should also provide better routes for businesses to raise concerns about ranking and treatment within Google’s search services.
The decision forms part of the UK’s new digital competition regime, which gives the CMA powers to impose conduct requirements on firms with substantial and entrenched market power. The regulator said further work on Google Search would continue over the summer as part of its wider programme on digital markets.