UK regulator proposes giving consumers more search choice on Google

Britain's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has proposed new antitrust regulations aimed at expanding consumer choice across Google's Android and Chrome platforms. Under the proposed framework, Google would be mandated to present users with a choice of search engines upon device setup or browser launch, prompt users annually to choose their default provider, and include qualified artificial intelligence assistants such as ChatGPT and Perplexity on choice screens. The regulatory measures also introduce requirements for search providers to fairly attribute publisher content, ensuring clear source provenance and direct user access to original material. CMA Chief Executive Sarah Cardell highlighted that search behavior is evolving rapidly toward AI assistants, necessitating updated regulatory mechanisms to prevent default bias. The CMA's proposal is open for public consultation through October 9, with a definitive ruling anticipated by the end of the year. This move follows a June directive ordering Google to enhance transparency surrounding search algorithms, reflecting mounting regulatory headwinds for Alphabet's core search operations in the UK.