The United Kingdom’s competition watchdog has launched an investigation into whether Google has the monopoly on online searches.
With Google accounting for 90% of UK web searches, the Competition and Markets Authority is looking at whether it is using that dominant position to harm competition or choice for users.
This is the Authority's first investigation since gaining additional powers allowing them to investigate and enforce changes on firms with a "strategic market status" in digital markets.
It will have nine months to carry out its investigation and two options at its disposal if it finds Google to have strategic market status - imposing rules on how it behaves, or making interventions designed to boost competition.
The CMA said it wants to ensure the tech giant is "delivering good outcomes for people and businesses" and that there is a "level playing field".
In a statement, Google said that they would "continue to engage constructively with the CMA to ensure that new rules benefit all types of websites, and still allow people in the UK to benefit from helpful and cutting edge services."
It is the latest in a series of investigations Google faces worldwide, with the United States calling for the sale of its browser Chrome, after a judge ruled it had an illegal monopoly in search and related advertising.
