LONDON: Britain’s competition watchdog has proposed new rules to give Google Android and Chrome users greater choice over the search services they use.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said the proposals would also allow AI assistants such as ChatGPT and Perplexity to appear as search options.
Under the proposed rules, Google would have to show users a choice of search providers when they first set up an Android phone or open Chrome.
Users would also receive a yearly prompt to choose their default search provider.
AI assistants that meet Google’s technical and security requirements could also appear on those choice screens.
CMA Seeks Greater Search Competition
The CMA said the proposals aim to respond to changes in how people search for information online.
“The way people search for information online is changing,” CMA Chief Executive Sarah Cardell said.
She said the regulator had listened to feedback and was responding to the growing use of AI assistants as search services.
Cardell noted that AI assistants are increasingly used for online searches but are not currently included in Google’s search choice screens.
The proposed rules would also require search providers to properly attribute publisher content.
This would allow users to access original source material and understand where search results came from.
Consultation Open Until October 9
The CMA has opened the proposals for public consultation until October 9.
The regulator expects to make a final decision by the end of the year.
The latest proposals form part of wider efforts by the CMA to increase competition in online search services.
In June, the watchdog ordered Google to provide greater transparency about how its search rankings work. The measure formed part of new rules designed to strengthen competition in the search market.
If adopted, the latest proposals could give users more opportunities to choose traditional search engines or qualifying AI assistants as their preferred search service.
