UK Orders Google to Improve Search Transparency to Boost Competition
The watchdog said Google must use objective ranking criteria and give users a way to transfer search data, with six months to comply.
- On Wednesday, the CMA ordered Google to increase search transparency, requiring the company to rank results using "objective and non-discriminatory criteria" and introduce clearer complaint processes.
- The regulator designated Google with "strategic market status" last year, enabling targeted oversight. The company accounts for more than 90 per cent of UK search queries, and businesses reported current ranking practices lack transparency.
- Google has six months to implement fair ranking requirements and three months for data portability, the CMA said. A spokesperson claims systems are "fair, transparent and show the most relevant, highest quality results."
- CMA Executive Director Will Hayter said, "Step by step, we're ensuring that Google's search services work better for businesses and consumers across the UK." The regulator warned it may introduce further measures if necessary.
- These requirements build on a digital markets competition regime adopted in January 2025. Google faces increasing regulatory scrutiny globally, including in the United States and the European Union.
25 Articles
25 Articles
UK Orders Google to Improve Search Transparency
The UK competition regulator ordered Google on June 17 to provide greater transparency on how its search rankings work, as part of its drive to secure a “fairer deal” for businesses. The move by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) was made amid concerns over the American tech giant’s dominance. According to the new rules, Google must rank organic search results using objective criteria, increase transparency around rankings, introduce cl…
Brit competition cops order Google to make search rankings less mysterious
The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has imposed two new conduct requirements for Google's search services, to improve transparency and fairness in result rankings and allowing users to port their search data to third parties. The requirements follow the CMA's actions in early June that let publishers opt out of having their work appear in AI Overviews, while requiring attribution and clear links to sources. "More activity is expecte…
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