Archive · 28 Jan 2026
EU and UK Regulate Google's AI and Search Practices
The European Union and the UK are telling Google to make some big changes.
The EU wants Google to share its Android system and search data with other companies so there's fair competition.
Google has six months to do this or it could get fined a lot of money.
Google is worried about user privacy and security.
In the UK, the competition watchdog wants Google to let news sites choose if they want their content used in Google's AI summaries.
Google is thinking about adding this option.
The watchdog also wants Google to be more transparent and fair in how it shows search results.
Google is talking with the watchdog about these changes.
The EU has ordered Google to open Android to rival AI systems and share key search data within six months.
Google must comply with the EU's Digital Markets Act to ensure fair competition or face fines up to 10% of its global annual sales.
Google expresses concerns that new rules may compromise user privacy, security, and innovation.
The UK's CMA proposes that Google should allow news sites and content creators to opt out of having their content used in AI overviews.
The CMA also recommends that Google should rank its search results fairly and make it easier for users to switch their default search engine.
- Who
- Google, European Union, Competition and Markets Authority (CMA)
- What
- Regulatory actions requiring Google to open Android to rival AI systems, share key data, and allow opt-outs for AI overviews
- When
- Deadline for compliance with EU orders is six months; CMA consultation ends on February 25
- Where
- European Union, United Kingdom
- Why
- To ensure compliance with the Digital Markets Act, promote fair competition, and address concerns over traffic loss for news publishers
Regulators
Opt-Out for AI Overviews
Regulators
The CMA proposes that Google should allow news sites and content creators to opt out of having their content used in AI overviews.
Google is exploring updates to its controls to let sites opt out of Search generative AI features, aiming to balance helpfulness and content management.
Transparency and Citation
Regulators
The CMA suggests that Google should be more transparent about the process and properly cite content used in AI results.
Google has not explicitly stated its stance on increased transparency and citation but is engaging with the watchdog.
Fair Ranking of Search Results
Regulators
The CMA recommends that Google should rank its search results fairly, without prioritizing websites with advertising or business deals with Google.
Google has not provided a specific response to this recommendation but is engaging with the watchdog.
- Company Involved
- Regulatory Bodies
- European Union (EU), Competition and Markets Authority (CMA)
- Deadline for Compliance (EU)
- Six months
- Potential Penalties (EU)
- Up to 10% of global annual sales
- Key Data (EU)
- Search data and AI services
- Legislation (EU)
- Digital Markets Act (DMA)
- EU Official
- Teresa Ribera
- Google Representative
- Clare Kelly, Ron Eden
- CMA Executive Director
- Will Hayter
- Consultation Deadline (UK)
- February 25
Sources
EU steps in to make sure Google gives rivals access to AI services and data
Google Android Told by EU to Open Up to Rival AI Systems
EU steps in to make sure Google gives rivals access to AI services, data
UK pushes Google to allow sites to opt out of AI Overviews
