UK initiates an investigation into Google Search.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in Britain has initiated an investigation into the search services provided by Google. This marks the initial major investigation under the recently enacted Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCC), which came into effect on January 1. The CMA seeks to find out if Google holds “strategic market status” (SMS). This determination would enable the regulator to implement changes to address anti-competitive practices.
Sarah Cardell, the chief executive of CMA, highlighted the need to maintain a fair competitive landscape, particularly as artificial intelligence transforms how people search online. The aim is to offer consumers improved options and guarantee equitable management of data. The CMA aims to establish fairness among all businesses, including competing search engines, advertisers, and news organizations.
This inquiry is in line with a previous initiative by the U.S. Department of Justice, which aims to dismantle Google’s monopoly in the search market. The CMA pointed out that Google holds more than 90% of search queries in the U.K. and caters to over 200,000 advertisers, which raises concerns regarding its dominance in the market.
The CMA holds that strong competition in search is essential for economic growth, as it links businesses with both customers and investors. Google recognized the CMA’s announcement, emphasizing that its search services support numerous businesses in the U.K. to succeed. The company has shown its dedication to collaborating with the CMA to make sure that new regulations are advantageous for all kinds of websites, while also preserving access to innovative services.
The CMA is concerned that Google’s dominant position in the market may prevent new AI-driven search competitors from emerging, which could restrict innovation in the industry. The investigation seeks to tackle these issues and encourage fair competition within the digital marketplace.
In December 2024, Google introduced Willow, its newest quantum chip. This chip showcases advanced performance in various areas and marks two significant achievements in quantum computing.
The development of Willow is a crucial milestone in a journey that started over a decade ago. Google Quantum AI was founded in 2012 with the goal of creating a large-scale quantum computer. The aim was to utilize quantum mechanics, which is the fundamental framework of nature as we understand it, to benefit society. This includes promoting scientific discoveries, creating useful applications, and addressing major societal challenges.
