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UK CMA proposes search and AI assistant choice screens for Android and Chrome

The regulator wants Google and smartphone makers to offer yearly prompts for search engine and AI assistant selection.

newest coverage 15h agosummary written 15h ago3 pieces MastodonNewswires

What to know

  • The CMA proposed mandatory search engine and AI assistant choice screens for Android and Chrome users on first use and annually, expanding existing but informal UK choice provisions.
  • The move targets Google's market dominance where it is strongest—Android and Chrome—and reflects the regulator's view that AI assistants are now functioning as search alternatives.
  • The proposal follows earlier 2026 CMA rulings on publisher opt-outs from AI training and Google search ranking fairness, continuing a pattern of competitive interventions in UK digital markets.

“This is about future-proofing the options available to people in the UK so they can choose the search service they want as these come to market.”

Sarah Cardell, CMA chief executive · Engadget ↗

Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) UK competition regulatorSarah CardellSarah Cardell CMA chief executiveGoogle Tech company subject to regulation

UK CMA proposes search and AI assistant choice screens for Android and Chrome
engadget.com

How it unfolded 1 development · click the chart to see its coverage articlesposts

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  1. 1
    “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.”
    — Sarah Cardell

    1. 1 outlet first by Engadget, 15h ago · read ↗

    2. 1 outlet UK competition watchdog wants to give Android and Chrome users more search engine choices

      first by Engadget, 15h ago

  2. background

    CMA introduces fair Google search ranking and data portability requirements — The regulator added rules requiring fair search ranking practices and data portability for users.

  3. background

    CMA imposes rule allowing publishers to opt out of AI results — The regulator introduced a requirement allowing publishers to exclude their content from AI training and results.