Google's EU Search Fine Excludes AI Mode Now Promoted in Chrome
· 22h ago · Originally reported by PPC Land
Google's €460 million EU search fine addressed older search practices but did not cover AI Mode, the AI-powered search feature the company now promotes within Chrome. Chrome's dominant browser share feeds traffic to AI Mode, which is limited to Google Search users. Questions remain whether regulators in Washington, Brussels or London can reach these product integrations.
Why it matters
It highlights a gap where existing antitrust remedies may not cover new AI-driven search features bundled into dominant products, potentially letting self-preferencing continue in a new form.
Explain it like I’m new here
It's like being fined for how you ran your lemonade stand last year, but the fine says nothing about the new drink you're now pushing through your own popular shop window.
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