UK Regulator Strengthens Google Choice Screen Proposals for AI Assistants
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has updated its proposals to include AI assistants on Google's Android and Chrome choice screens. Currently, users are only presented with traditional search engines during setup or first use.
Under the new plan:
- Google would offer a selection of AI assistants alongside search engines when setting up an Android device or opening Chrome for the first time.
- Users would then be prompted to choose their default search service annually.
- Any provider on these screens must clearly attribute publisher content, allowing users to source and understand the results they are seeing.
"We’ve listened carefully to feedback and are responding quickly to the rise of AI assistants," said Sarah Cardell, CMA's chief executive.
This move comes after the CMA imposed publisher controls over AI features in June and implemented fair ranking and data portability requirements in June 17.
Comments on the proposals are due by October 9, with a final decision expected before the end of the year.
Previous Reactions:
- The Professional Publishers Association argued for excluding AI assistants, citing their operation outside existing licensing frameworks.
- The News Media Association expressed concerns about traffic redirection away from publishers.
- Google suggested an annual prompt could annoy users and proposed a permanent switch within device settings instead.
The CMA's updated proposals take into account feedback from publishers, search providers, and consumer groups, introducing the new attribution requirement.