Today, the CMA announced that it will assess whether Google Search has a “Significant Market Status” (SMS) under the new Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers programme, and what new requirements Google Search may be subject to. We look forward to engaging constructively and setting out how our services benefit UK consumers and businesses, and the trade-offs involved in any new regulations.
People across the UK trust Google Search to help them find what they need. Search is also helping millions of British businesses grow and reach customers in new ways. Google products, including Search, helped provide an estimated £118 billion in economic activity by 2023 in the UK, supporting more than a million businesses across the country. Google Search and Ads help UK businesses export over £20 billion worth of goods and services worldwide.
Digital services such as search will enable new economic growth in the UK. Indeed, the CMA itself recognizes that “Search is essential to economic growth”. We welcome the recognition of the importance of digital technology in energy growth, and the need to align regulatory decisions with the Government's growth strategy.
A pro-innovation, evidence-based regime will help UK consumers and businesses by increasing choice, reducing prices, and opening up new markets. A different choice of overly restrictive digital competition laws can end up stifling choice and opportunity for consumers and businesses.
We will do everything we can to advocate for new laws that benefit all businesses and allow the people of the UK to benefit from useful, quality services.
