UK Regulator Demands Google Prominently Display AI Search Options
The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is pushing Google to make changes to its Android and Chrome settings, specifically regarding AI search options. The CMA wants Google to display a menu of search services during setup, including AI assistants like OpenAI's ChatGPT and Perplexity, and then prompt users annually to confirm or change their default.
The regulator is concerned that the current default-picking flow may be limiting visibility for rival search engines. By making these changes, Google would need to show users a choice screen every year, rather than just once during initial setup.
This proposal aims to keep rival search services visible as user habits shift towards AI-powered search options. The CMA is seeking comments until October 9 and expects a final decision by the end of the year.