Google to Alter Online Search Results to Favor Comparison Sites, Comply with EU Rules
In a move to comply with new European Union technology rules, Google has announced that it will be altering online search results to give more prominence to comparison sites. The American search engine giant outlined its efforts to comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires Google to treat rival products and services at par with its own during search results ranking. The company stated that it will introduce dedicated units with links to comparison sites from across the web and query shortcuts at the top of the search page to help users refine their search.
Additionally, Google will start testing a dedicated space for comparison sites and direct suppliers to show more detailed individual results including images and star ratings for categories like hotels. However, these changes will result in the removal of some features from the search page, such as the Google Flights unit.
The new regulations under the DMA could potentially impact revenues for some companies, and Google has also announced other changes in the coming weeks. These changes will allow Android phone owners to switch their default search engine or browser more easily, and for Google services and products users to move their data to a third-party app or service. The company also stated that European users will be informed via an additional consent banner for some Google services to continue using share data-targeted ads, giving them an option to opt out.
In response to the new rules, Google expressed concerns that some of these changes may reduce the choices available to people and businesses in Europe. The company acknowledged that while they support many of the DMA’s ambitions around consumer choice and interoperability, the new rules involve difficult trade-offs. Google also warned that some businesses and users may not be happy with its proposals, which are still subject to changes ahead of the March 7 deadline.
This move by Google to alter its search results and comply with EU regulations has been met with mixed opinions, with some welcoming the changes as a step towards fair play, while others express concerns about the potential impact on consumer choices and business operations.