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European Commission opens Google probe over publisher content in search

Regulation

The European Commission has opened an investigation into whether Google demoted commercial content from news publishers in search results. The inquiry concerns third-party commercial material, including publisher partnerships with betting firms, and will assess compliance with the Digital Markets Act; the Commission said it aims to conclude the case within 12 months.

The outcome could affect the visibility of publishers’ commercial partnerships with betting firms in Google search.

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Google expands YouTube gambling ad targeting rules across three markets

Google expanded its personalised gambling advertising rules on YouTube in the US, UK and Canada from 30 October 2026, according to the report. The update lets advertisers use predefined Google audiences for sensitive categories, including prediction markets, while separate prediction-market advertising eligibility and location restrictions remain in force.

YouTube now carries personalised gambling advertising in the US, the UK and Canada, a reach the company extended while folding prediction markets into its sensitive-category targeting rules. That policy change became effective on October 30. Where prediction market operators may advertise is still governed by separate restrictions, the company's policy states.

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