EU opens formal probe into Google over alleged demotion of news sites in Search

EU launches investigation into Google's treatment of news and media in Search

The European Commission announced on Thursday that it has opened a formal investigation to determine whether Google unlawfully disadvantaged news and media publishers by demoting their content in Google Search. The probe will assess whether Google, designated as a "gatekeeper" under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), applies the "fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory" conditions required by the law.

At the centre of the inquiry is a Google policy that may push publisher content lower in search rankings when publisher websites display certain third-party commercial material, such as advertising or other commercial integrations. The Commission will examine whether that policy restricted publishers' ability "to conduct legitimate business, innovate and cooperate with third-party content providers," according to the statement.

Teresa Ribera, European Commission Vice President: "We are concerned that Google's policies do not allow news publishers to be treated in a fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory manner in its search results. We will investigate to ensure that news publishers are not losing out on important revenues at a difficult time for the industry, and to ensure Google complies with the Digital Markets Act."

The Commission stressed that opening proceedings does not imply a finding of wrongdoing. It aims to complete the investigation within 12 months; depending on the outcome, the inquiry could be closed, or it could lead to remedies or further enforcement action if breaches are found.

Observers say the probe could have broader implications for how major platforms rank third-party content and how publishers monetise their sites across the EU. Google has not immediately commented on the investigation.