Google given special status by watchdog that could force it to change UK search

<p>CMA puts Google under tighter regulation with ‘strategic market status’ designation and can enforce changes</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/live/2025/oct/10/uk-wage-growth-slows-worker-demand-argentina-rescue-bessent-stock-markets-business-live-news">Business live – latest updates</a></p></li></ul><p>Google faces enforced changes to its UK search business after the competition watchdog conferred a special status on the company that puts it under tighter regulation.</p><p>The Competition and Market Authority (CMA) confirmed that Google has “strategic market status” (SMS) in search and search advertising, a term that means the company has such market power that it requires a special regulatory regime.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/oct/10/google-given-special-status-by-watchdog-that-could-force-it-to-change-uk-search">Continue reading...</a>