CMA confirms Google has strategic market status in search services

The U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority has confirmed that the legal tests have been met to designate Google with strategic market status in general search and search advertising services. The CMA launched an investigation into Google’s general search and search advertising services on January 14 and consulted on its proposed decision in June that Google should be designated with strategic market status. Since this proposed decision, the CMA has gathered evidence and received feedback from more than 80 stakeholders as well as having constructive engagement with Google. Designating Google with SMS is not a finding of wrongdoing and does not introduce any immediate requirements. However, it enables the CMA to consider proportionate, targeted interventions to ensure that general search services are open to effective competition, and that consumers and businesses that rely on Google can have confidence that they are treated fairly. The CMA expects to begin consulting on possible interventions later in the year.