Google has announced several changes to its European operations in preparation for the implementation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in March. These changes include prioritizing comparison websites in search results, improving data sharing consent protocols, introducing browser choice screens on Android devices, and offering a Data Portability API.
One of the most significant changes is the increased prominence given to comparison sites in search results.
When users search for items like hotels or products, Google will now display dedicated units with links to comparison sites and query shortcuts at the top of the search page. Additionally, a dedicated space for comparison sites and direct suppliers will be tested for categories like hotels, showing more detailed individual results.
As part of these updates, Google will be removing certain elements from its search page, including the Google Flights feature.
This shift in approach is a result of regulations requiring Google to rank competing services and products equally in search results. This comes after the EU fined Google €2.42 billion in 2017 for favoring its own comparison-shopping service in search results.
While these changes may benefit comparison sites, Google has expressed concerns about potential adverse impacts on businesses, citing difficult trade-offs and reduced choices for people and businesses in Europe.
2024-01-25 01:41:03
Source from www.computerworld.com