European Union: European Commission launched investigation to assess Google's potential Digital Markets Act breach

On 12 November 2025, the European Commission formally launched an investigation to assess whether Google adheres to fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory conditions for accessing publishers' websites on Google Search, an obligation under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The Commission's monitoring indicated that Google, through its 'site reputation abuse policy', is demoting news media and other publishers' websites and content in search results when these sites feature content from commercial partners. Google states this policy aims to counter practices intended to manipulate search ranking. The Commission is investigating whether Alphabet's demotions of publishers' websites and content in Google Search could affect publishers' freedom to conduct legitimate business, innovate, and collaborate with third-party content providers. Specifically, these proceedings address concerns that Alphabet may not comply with Article 6(12) and Article 6(5) of the DMA, which mandate transparent, fair, and non-discriminatory conditions for Google Search's ranking. The Commission intends to conclude its investigation within 12 months, and findings of non-compliance could result in fines up to 10% of the company's total worldwide turnover.