• The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) proposes granting Google “strategic market status.”
• Moves to increase competition may include changes in access to different search providers.
• Google's search services dominate over 90% of the UK market, influencing numerous businesses.
• CMA aims for more transparency for publishers and fair ranking principles in search results.
• Google expresses concerns over the potential implications for its services and operations.

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced a proposal to grant Google "strategic market status," aiming to enhance control over how the tech giant manages its search services. This designation could facilitate user access to various search providers while ensuring equitable ranking principles for businesses, according to Channel News Asia, BBC, Reuters, and Dawn.

As Google accounts for more than 90% of UK search queries, the CMA's roadmap for regulatory change could significantly impact the landscape of online search. The authority plans further evaluation ahead of a final decision in October, although it has not yet accused Google of anti-competitive behavior. The investigation originated in January, focusing on promoting fair competition within online search, as noted by Channel News Asia and BBC.

In light of these developments, Google has communicated its intent to collaborate constructively with the CMA, while also expressing concerns about the broad scope of proposed regulations. Oliver Bethell, Google's senior director for competition, stated the proposed interventions might present significant challenges for the company's operations in the UK, according to Reuters and Dawn.