UK regulator orders Google to reveal how it ranks search results and let users move their data, citing the company's dominant market position.

What happened

Britain's Competition and Markets Authority issued two new requirements for Google. First, Google must improve transparency and fairness in how it ranks search results. Second, Google must allow users to move their search data to authorized third parties. The regulator designated Google with "strategic market status," which allows it to set targeted rules.

Why it matters

Google's dominance in search has drawn regulatory concern. These measures aim to ensure search results are ranked fairly and objectively, with clearer information about changes and routes for businesses to raise concerns—securing what the regulator calls "a fairer deal" for companies. The rules build on earlier conduct requirements that let publishers block their content from powering Google's AI features.

What to watch

The CMA said "more activity is expected over the summer," signaling additional regulatory moves may be coming.