Post by : Rameen Ariff

In a major move to regulate digital giants, Britain’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has officially granted Google “strategic market status” (SMS) in the online search sector. This marks the first time the CMA has used its new digital regulation powers to oversee Big Tech companies in the UK.

The CMA announced the decision on Friday, stating that Google’s dominant position in online search — controlling over 90% of all searches in the United Kingdom — gives it a strategic advantage that affects both users and advertisers. By designating Google with SMS, the regulator can now directly intervene and require changes to how Google operates in the UK search market.

Importantly, the CMA clarified that this decision is not a punishment and does not imply any wrongdoing by Google. Instead, it opens the door for future regulatory measures that could make the search market more competitive and fair for users and businesses alike.

The CMA has previously suggested potential actions, including implementing fairer ranking systems and increasing visibility for alternative search engines. These steps aim to encourage innovation and diversity in the UK’s digital market.

While Google has expressed concern that stricter oversight might slow innovation, the CMA emphasized that its approach will be proportionate, focusing on creating a fairer digital economy without stifling technological growth.

This move positions the UK as one of the first major economies to actively apply digital regulation powers to Big Tech. Industry experts see this as a decisive step toward reshaping the influence of tech giants in national markets, ensuring consumer choice and fair competition.

As Google navigates these new regulations, the CMA will monitor the market closely and may introduce further measures to maintain a balanced and open online search ecosystem in the United Kingdom.

#world news #Global News