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The SEARCH Act of 2026 aims to increase competition in online search and digital advertising by restricting the practices of large dominant search platforms. The legislation applies to any company offering a general search engine or AI search service that reaches at least 40 percent of Americans over age 12 monthly. These companies, called "covered platforms," would be prohibited from paying device makers or browser developers to favor their search service, making exclusive agreements that lock out competitors, and using their control of devices or operating systems to promote their own search products over competitors. The bill requires covered platforms to share their search indexes, user data, and advertising data with qualifying competitors at minimal cost, and to license their search results and ads inventory to other companies. Additionally, the legislation mandates that users see neutral choice screens when setting up new devices or browsers, allowing them to select from competing search engines, and requires annual compliance certifications. Violations could result in civil penalties up to 15 percent of a company's annual revenue. The act takes effect 90 days after enactment for the main prohibitions, with data-sharing and transparency requirements beginning one year later, and the entire law sunsets after 10 years unless Congress extends it.

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