Alphabet’s Google has offered to change its spam policy criticised by publishers, according to a European Commission document seen by Reuters, in a move that may help it stave off an EU antitrust fine.
That prompted the European Commission, which acts as the EU competition enforcer, to open an investigation in November under the Digital Markets Act, which aims to rein in the power of Big Tech.
Google has proposed changes to comply with the DMA, the document said, giving interested parties until next week to offer feedback.
The EU watchdog has said that its monitoring showed that Google’s spam policy demotes news media and other publishers’ websites and content in Google search results when those websites include content from commercial partners.
It said the policy directly impacts a common and legitimate way for publishers to monetise their websites and content.
DMA breaches can cost companies fines of up to 10 per cent of their global annual turnover.
The Commission declined to comment. Google did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
First Published: May 07 2026 | 10:13 AM IST
