Today, the European Commission has formally launched proceedings to assess whether Google applies fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory conditions of access to publishers’ websites on Google Search, which is an obligation under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). 

The Commission’s monitoring work has shown indications that Google, based on its ‘site reputation abuse policy’, is demoting news media and other publishers’ websites and content in Google search results when those websites include content from commercial partners. According to Google, this policy aims to tackle practices that are allegedly meant to manipulate ranking in search results.

The Commission's investigation focuses specifically on Google’s ‘site reputation abuse policy’, and how that policy applies to publishers. This policy appears to directly impact a common and legitimate way for publishers to monetise their websites and content.

Therefore, the Commission is investigating whether Alphabet’s demotions of publishers’ websites and content in Google Search may impact publishers’ freedom to conduct legitimate business, innovate, and cooperate with third-party content providers. 

See also the full press release

European Commission Investigates Google for Potential DMA Violations

The European Commission has formally opened proceedings to investigate whether Google is complying with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) by applying fair and non-discriminatory conditions for access to publishers’ websites on its search platform.

Recent monitoring by the Commission has revealed indications that Google may be demoting the content of news media and other publishers in search results. This demotion appears to be linked to Google's 'site reputation abuse policy', which the company claims is designed to prevent manipulation of search rankings.

The investigation will specifically examine how this policy affects publishers and whether it restricts their ability to monetize their content effectively. The Commission is concerned that such practices could hinder publishers' freedom to conduct legitimate business and collaborate with third-party content providers.



European Commission Investigates Google for Potential DMA Violations

The European Commission has initiated an investigation into Google's practices regarding the demotion of media publishers' content in search results, potentially breaching the Digital Markets Act.