Inspired by reporting from the Financial Times (ft.com)
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has officially told Google to loosen its control over search results. This is part of a new digital law that gives the regulator power to stop big tech companies from abusing their market position.
In simple terms, Google now has to follow stricter rules about how search results are ranked and how publishers’ content is used, especially when it comes to AI-generated summaries.
So what does this mean for you as a website owner or business? Let’s keep it practical.
1. Search could become a bit fairer
For years, Google has filled search results with its own services — like Maps, Shopping, and YouTube — pushing organic results further down.
Now regulators want “fair ranking,” meaning independent websites might have a slightly better chance to show up higher.
What to do:
Keep your site fast, mobile-friendly, and clear. Quality, well-structured content will benefit most if Google is forced to diversify results.
2. More control over how Google uses your content
One big change might give publishers and businesses more control over whether their content can be reused by Google’s AI tools.
If this becomes official, you’ll be able to say “yes” or “no” to AI-generated summaries or snippets.
What to do:
Add or update your AI content usage policy.
- Explain if AI tools can quote or summarize your articles.
- Mention that any reuse must link back to your site.
- Add clear meta tags or robot rules if you don’t want AI summaries.
3. AI search results are expanding
Google is already showing AI Overviews (auto-generated answers at the top of search). This affects how people find your content — they might read a summary instead of clicking your link.
What to do:
Write content with short, factual paragraphs and clear headings.
AI summaries often pull from the most structured, easy-to-read pages.
4. Diversify your visibility
If these new UK laws start spreading across the EU, search could become more open — meaning it’s smart not to depend on Google alone.
What to do:
Make sure your business is visible on:
- Bing and other search engines
- Local directories (Google Business, Apple Maps, Yelp, etc.)
- Social media and news aggregators
5. Keep an eye on the changes
This is the first time a regulator has forced Google to follow new “strategic market status” rules. The impact will take months or years to fully show, but it’s the start of something new — maybe even a more balanced web.
In short
Google’s power over search results is being challenged.
For business owners and designers, this is your chance to:
- make your websites more structured,
- protect your content,
- and prepare for AI-driven search engines that respect your data.
If you manage a website, now’s the time to review your SEO basics and publish a short AI content usage policy — it’s good practice and may soon be required.
Source: Inspired by an article originally published by the Financial Times — “Google told to loosen control over search by UK competition regulator,” by Suzi Ring and Tim Bradshaw.
This article is an independent commentary based on publicly available information from Financial Times (ft.com). All rights for the original reporting belong to their respective authors and publisher.