EU investigates Google over 'demoting' commercial content from news media

The EU said it was compelled to take steps to protect traditional media, which was now competing in the marketplace online. File picture: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire

The EU has launched an investigation into Google Search over concerns the US tech company has been “demoting” commercial content from news media sites.

The bloc’s executive arm announced the move after monitoring found certain content created with advertisers and sponsors was being given such a low priority by Google it was effectively no longer visible in search results.