EU regulators are expected to rule that Google illegally favored its own shopping, travel, and other specialized services over rivals in search results.
The European Commission is expected to issue the decision next week under the Digital Markets Act, according to the Financial Times (subscription required), citing people familiar with the matter and internal Commission documents.
Google search changes possible. The case focuses on how Google displays its own vertical services in search results compared with competing services. Google owns some of the most valuable commercial search real estate. An order requiring changes could affect visibility for comparison sites, travel platforms, shopping services, and other businesses competing for organic traffic.
Why we care. Google’s treatment of its own services influences which businesses users see first in high-intent searches. Required changes could create new visibility opportunities in competitive commercial categories.
Fines add pressure. The Commission is expected to fine Google hundreds of millions of euros across two DMA decisions. Google could also face daily penalties if it fails to comply with parts of the orders within 60 days.
Search data access. The Commission is also expected to decide whether Google must give third-party search engines access to search data, including ranking, query, click, and view data. Google argues that sharing the data would threaten user privacy and exceed the Commission’s authority.
- The Commission is also considering whether Google must give third-party AI providers access to the same features available to Gemini.
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