Mapaballo Borotho
- The Competition Commission has found that Google’s dominance in South Africa’s online news market disadvantages local publishers.
- Google has agreed to pay R685 million and adjust its search platform to better promote local content.
- The Commission says the move aims to revitalise South Africa’s struggling media industry and ensure fair competition.
The Competition Commission has found that Google holds a dominant position in South Africa’s online news media landscape, disadvantaging local publishers.
In its final report on the Media and Digital Platforms Inquiry, released on Thursday, 12 November 2025, the Commission revealed that Google’s control over digital advertising, search engines, and AI-driven news distribution systems has led to an unfair share of value for local news outlets that produce original content.
The inquiry, launched in October 2023 under the Competition Act, aimed to investigate whether digital platforms distort or restrict competition in ways that harm the sustainability of South Africa’s media sector.
In a significant outcome, Google has agreed to pay R685 million to support local news publishers and pledged to revise its search algorithms to give greater visibility to South African content.
Competition Commissioner Doris Tshepe said the measures are intended to “revitalise the media and ensure its sustainability,” acknowledging the broader challenges faced by the local news industry beyond digital platforms.
The report was formally handed to Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition Parks Tau during a presentation in Sandton.
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