AI rivals are not guaranteed a spot on Google search screens despite new UK competition plans, regulator confirms

From the Newshound archive · first published 24 September 2026.

ChatGPT, Perplexity and other AI assistants face a further hurdle before they can appear on Google's Android and Chrome search choice screens in the UK — the Competition and Markets Authority must first define what counts as an eligible AI provider. The watchdog is still consulting on technical and security criteria that services would need to meet, meaning inclusion is far from automatic despite widespread reporting that AI assistants could now qualify.

Under the CMA's revised proposal, Google would be required to present UK users on Android and Chrome with a choice screen listing as many as 12 search providers, alongside a yearly prompt to reconsider their default.

Whichever service wins the default search slot captures the bulk of queries and search advertising revenue, making the eligibility criteria a high-stakes decision for rivals.

The consultation closes on 9 October, with the CMA aiming to reach its final ruling by the close of 2026.