Core Points - The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has confirmed that Google holds a "Strategic Market Status" in the search services sector under new digital market competition regulations [1] - This designation follows a nine-month investigation, indicating that Google possesses significant market power in online search and advertising, with over 90% of search activities in the UK occurring on its platform [1][3] - The CMA's decision allows for potential targeted interventions to ensure effective competition in general search services, although it does not imply any wrongdoing by Google at this stage [1][3] Regulatory Context - The confirmation of Google's strategic market status is part of a broader regulatory trend in Europe aimed at increasing scrutiny of major tech companies [3] - The CMA's potential interventions may include demands for fairer search ranking mechanisms and greater control for publishers over their content usage, particularly in AI-generated responses [3] - This move follows a recent €3 billion (approximately $3.5 billion) fine imposed by the EU on Google for favoring its own services in advertising technology [3] Company Response - Google's Senior Director of Competition Affairs, Oliver Bethell, has expressed concerns that proposed interventions could hinder innovation and slow down the launch of new products in the UK [2][3] - Bethell emphasized the need for the UK to avoid costly restrictions and overly stringent regulations that could impact the tech landscape [2]

Group 1 - The European Commission announced a fine of €29.5 billion (approximately ¥247 billion) against Google for abusing its dominant position in the advertising technology market [2][3] - The fine was based on allegations that Google prioritized its own services in the online advertising market, harming competitors, advertisers, and online publishers, thus damaging fair competition [3] - The fine amount was determined using the European Commission's 2006 Fine Guidelines, considering factors such as the duration and severity of the violation, as well as Google's past penalties for similar abuses [3] Group 2 - Google plans to appeal the European Commission's decision, claiming it is erroneous [4] - Following the announcement, Google's stock price rose by 1.16%, reaching a closing price of $235 per share, with a total market capitalization of $2.84 trillion (approximately ¥20 trillion) [4] - U.S. President Trump criticized the fine as "extremely unfair" and threatened to initiate a "301 investigation" against the EU, which could lead to unilateral sanctions [6][7] Group 3 - Trump emphasized that the U.S. government would not tolerate what he described as discriminatory actions against American companies, highlighting that this fine is part of a broader trend of penalties against U.S. tech firms by Europe [6][7] - The "301 investigation" is authorized under the U.S. Trade Act of 1974, allowing the U.S. Trade Representative to investigate "unreasonable or unfair trade practices" by other countries [6]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent threats made by U.S. President Trump against the European Union (EU) in response to a significant fine imposed on Google for antitrust violations, highlighting the potential for trade investigations and retaliatory tariffs [2][4]. Summary by Sections Trump's Threats - On September 5, President Trump threatened to initiate a trade investigation against the EU, labeling their actions as "very unfair" and indicating that he would be forced to invoke the "Section 301" procedure to overturn the fines imposed on Google [2][4]. Google's Fine - The EU fined Google €2.95 billion (approximately ¥246 billion) for distorting competition in the advertising technology sector, claiming that Google favored its own services over competitors, harming other service providers and advertisers [2][8]. Market Reaction - Following Trump's announcement, Google's stock price surged by 1.16%, reaching $235 per share, with a total market capitalization of $2.84 trillion (around ¥20 trillion) [2]. Google's Response - Google announced plans to appeal the EU's decision, arguing that the ruling was incorrect and that compliance would negatively impact many EU businesses [10]. Historical Context - Google has faced multiple fines from the EU in recent years, including €2.42 billion in 2017 for manipulating shopping search results and €4.34 billion in 2018 for illegal restrictions related to its Android operating system [10].