The European Union has opened a formal investigation into Google amid concerns that the tech giant is unfairly lowering the visibility of some news outlets in its search results.
Brussels: The European Commission has launched a fresh antitrust investigation into Google, suspecting the US technology company of manipulating search results to disadvantage certain news media outlets.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Commission said it had identified “indications that Google may be demoting news media and other publishers’ websites and content in Google Search results when those websites include material from commercial partners.”
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The probe will examine whether Google’s algorithms or advertising systems give preferential treatment to some publishers while reducing visibility for others, potentially harming competition and media diversity in the European market.
Officials said the inquiry falls under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which seeks to ensure fair online competition and prevent dominant platforms from abusing their market power. If found guilty of breaching EU competition law, Google could face fines of up to 10 per cent of its global annual turnover.
The investigation could further strain relations between Brussels and Washington, particularly as US President Donald Trump has publicly criticised the EU for targeting American technology firms through regulatory measures.
A Google spokesperson said the company would cooperate fully with EU authorities and maintained that its search system “prioritises relevance and quality, not political or commercial influence.”
This latest probe adds to a growing list of EU actions against Big Tech firms, including previous fines and ongoing scrutiny of Apple, Meta, and Amazon. The Commission said its goal is to ensure that “news and media content can compete on equal terms, supporting a free and pluralistic press in Europe.”
The case underscores the increasing tension between digital platforms and news publishers, as European regulators push to safeguard fair access and revenue sharing in the online information ecosystem.
(With AFP inputs)
Published: 13 Nov 2025, 08:40 pm IST
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