tech
January 28, 2026
It’s official: Google Search has “entrenched market power” in the UK.
It only took nine months, but the Competition and Markets Authority has designated Google Search with “strategic market status,” meaning it’s eligible for extra UK regulation. AI Mode has been factored in, but not AI assistants like Gemini. Similar decisions on Android and iOS are due this month.
TL;DR
- Google Search has been officially recognized as having "entrenched market power" in the UK.
- The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) made this designation after nine months.
- Google Search is now eligible for extra UK regulation due to its "strategic market status."
- AI Mode was considered in the decision, but AI assistants like Gemini were not.
- Similar decisions concerning Android and iOS are expected this month.