United Kingdom: Competition and Markets Authority designated Google with strategic market status in general search and search advertising services

On 10 October 2025, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) designated Google as having strategic market status (SM) in general search and search advertising services under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act. The designation applies to Google's provision of web search and search advertising together, covering the Alphabet corporate structure, including entities in the US, Ireland, and the UK. The designation takes effect from 11 October 2025 and runs for five years until 10 October 2030. Within scope are Google Search (including AI Overviews, specialized features, the News tab, and Google Discover), certain search syndication tools, and related advertising products such as Google Ads when providing search advertising. Currently excluded are standalone specialised search services, Google News as a separate product, the Gemini AI assistant, and display advertising products, though the CMA notes it would consult publicly before potentially including Gemini in the future. The CMA must conduct a further investigation no later than nine months before the designation expires to determine whether to revoke, renew, or modify the designation. Following the designation, the CMA can impose behavioural and structural remedies, and designated firms are subject to conduct requirements and dedicated codes of conduct.