Britain Marks Google With Strategic Market Status

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

In a landmark move, Britain’s competition watchdog has formally designated Google with “strategic market status” (SMS) in online search — a first under its new digital regulation powers aimed at keeping Big Tech in check.

The decision, announced on Friday by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), marks the beginning of a stricter regulatory era for digital giants dominating key markets. The designation allows the CMA to directly intervene and require changes to how Google operates in the UK search space.

According to the regulator, Google’s overwhelming presence — controlling over 90% of all searches in the United Kingdom — gives it a strategic advantage that shapes how users and advertisers interact online. This dominant position, the CMA said, justifies special oversight to ensure fair competition and consumer choice.

Importantly, the move is not a punishment or finding of misconduct. It also does not immediately impose any restrictions, but it opens the door for future measures that could make the search market more open and competitive.

The CMA had earlier hinted at possible steps, including fairer ranking systems and broader visibility for alternative search engines — changes it believes could boost innovation across Britain’s tech ecosystem.

While Google has expressed concern that new interventions might slow innovation, the CMA insists its approach will remain “proportionate” and focused on supporting a fairer digital economy.

The development positions the UK as one of the first major economies to actively apply such powers, signaling a decisive step toward reshaping how Big Tech operates in national markets.