Google is the CMA’s first target under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act.illustration by Chesnot/Getty Images

Google faces UK restrictions over search dominance – POLITICO

by · POLITICO

LONDON — Google has “substantial and entrenched market power” in online search meaning it will likely face restrictions in the U.K. to curb its dominance, the country’s competition watchdog confirmed Friday. 

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it would designate Google with “strategic market status” for search and search advertising, the first time it has used its new digital markets powers which came into force in January. 

A consultation on what steps the regulator might take to stem that dominance, known as conduct requirements, will follow later this year, the CMA said.