Google faces further scrutiny as the UK regulator adjusts new digital competition powers.
LONDON (AP) — Britain’s competition watchdog launched a probe into Google’s search and search advertising businesses for the first time on Monday, unleashing new digital market forces.
Under tougher rules to protect consumers and businesses from unfair practices by big tech companies that came into force this month, the Competition and Markets Authority said it will decide whether Google can be granted a “strategic market position”. The nature of the company. The investigation adds to the global scrutiny the US tech giant is facing.
The Competition and Markets Authority said it will investigate whether Google is using the market to stifle innovation and block rivals. The regulator said it would particularly look at Google’s role in shaping new artificial services and interfaces such as “answer engines” to limit competition in search.
AI-powered chatbots are becoming increasingly popular among internet users looking for information online. Google last year Reset the search engine It now supports artificial intelligence generated responses on frequent web links.
Google said in a statement: “We will continue to work constructively with the CMA to ensure that the new rules ensure that all types of websites are accessible and that people in the UK can still use important and valuable services.”
The potential of AI to transform online search services means fair competition is essential, said Sarah Cardell, chief executive of the UK regulator.
“It’s our job to make sure people have the full benefit of choice and innovation in search services and get a fair deal — for example, about how their data is collected and stored,” Cardell said in a statement. “And for businesses, whether it’s a competing search engine, an advertiser or a news organization, we want to make sure there’s a level playing field for all businesses, big or small, to succeed.”
The CMA also addresses concerns about Google’s “exploitative conduct,” including its practice of gathering large amounts of consumer data without consent and its use of content by Web publishers — from mainstream media outlets to narrowly focused startups. Subjects – without actually paying.
It also investigates whether Google is offering options such as specialized search marketing or travel services.
The UK investigation is the latest salvo in the regulatory pressure Google is facing on both sides of the Atlantic.