London: Britain’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has proposed new measures to give users of Google Android and Chrome greater choice and control over the search services they use, including AI assistants such as ChatGPT and Perplexity.
Under the proposed rules, Google would be required to show users a choice of search providers when they first set up an Android phone or open Chrome. Users would also be prompted once a year to select their preferred default search provider.
The proposals would allow AI assistants to appear on these choice screens if they meet Google’s technical and security requirements.
The CMA also wants search providers to properly attribute content from publishers. This would allow users to access the original source material and understand where information shown in search results originated.
Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, stated that, “The way people search for information online is changing. We’ve listened carefully to feedback and are responding quickly to the rise of AI assistants, which people are increasingly using as their search service, but aren’t included on Google’s choice screens.”
The proposals are open for consultation until October 9. The CMA is expected to make a final decision by the end of the year.
The latest proposals follow action taken by the CMA in June, when the regulator ordered Google to provide greater transparency around how its search rankings work. The measure formed part of new rules aimed at strengthening competition in the search services market.
The proposed measures are intended to give users greater control over their search choices while supporting competition between traditional search providers and emerging AI assistants. The CMA will consider feedback before making its final decision by the end of the year.
MOST READ | Young people turn to AI over humans when checking facts
