The Britain Competition and Market Authority (CMA) said Tuesday that it proposed to designate Google with the “strategic market status” to give it greater control over how the United States technology giant operates search services, according to a report from Reuters.
According to a press release from the CMA, the competition regulator of Great Britain, Google Search represents more than 90 percent of all general search consultations in the United Kingdom, with millions of people who depend on it as a key entrance door for the Internet and more than 200,000 companies in the United Kingdom, depending on the advertising of Google Search to reach its customers.
The CMA said that the steps they could take include facilitating that users access different search suppliers and guarantee fair classification principles for companies that appear in the search for Google.
He also proposed more transparency and control for editors whose content appeared in the search results if he continues with the designation in October.
Google will be the first designated company since the regulator won new powers this year.
“The new digital market competition regime can help unlock opportunities for innovation and growth, promoting competition in digital markets while protecting consumers and companies from the United Kingdom from unfair or harmful practices,” said the CMA.
Google said the measure could have significant implications for companies and consumers in Great Britain.
“We are concerned that the scope of CMA considerations remains broad and unfocused, with a variety of interventions considered before evidence has been provided,” said Oliver Bethell, senior director of Google competition.
