UK Watchdog Proposes Default Search Options for Android and Chrome Users
The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has proposed changes to Google's search services on Android devices and Chrome browsers. The regulator wants users to be able to choose AI assistants like ChatGPT and Perplexity as their default search provider.
Under the updated proposals, users would see a choice of search providers when they first use an Android phone or open Chrome, with an annual prompt to review their default. To appear on these screens, AI assistants must meet the CMA's technical and security requirements.
The regulator also proposed requiring search providers to fairly attribute publisher content used in their services, allowing users to identify and access the original sources. The CMA is seeking feedback on the proposals until October 9 and expects to make a final decision by the end of the year.