Briefing Note: Competition & Markets Authority Investigation into Google’s General Search and Search Advertising Services
Date: 16 January 2025 Subject: Investigation into Google’s compliance under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 Purpose: This briefing addresses the Competition & Markets Authority (CMA’s) investigation into Google’s general search and search advertising services. The investigation evaluates Google's compliance under the digital markets competition regime and assesses whether Google should be designated as having Strategic Market Status (SMS). If designated, specific Conduct Requirements and Pro-Competition Interventions could be imposed to enhance competition, innovation and consumer protection. Key Context Market Dominance: Google accounts for over 90% of the UK general search market, generating high revenues from search advertising. Its market share and control over key access points create significant barriers for competitors. Economic Impact: UK advertising spend on search has doubled between 2019 and 2023 to £15 billion, with Google dominating the ...