Google announced plans to modify its search result displays in Europe after smaller rivals reported traffic losses and EU regulators began investigating potential violations of the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
The DMA, enacted last year, prohibits tech giants from favoring their own services on their platforms.
Key Changes:
– Expanded and equally formatted units to let users choose between comparison sites and supplier websites.
– New formats allowing rivals to display prices and images.
– Test removal of hotel maps and listings in Germany, Belgium, and Estonia to gauge user preferences.
Google’s legal director, Oliver Bethell, stated the changes aim to balance competing demands and comply with the DMA, though removing certain features may reduce consumer convenience.
Reactions:
– Criticism from rivals: UK-based Kelkoo and others argue Google continues to favor its services, limiting fair competition.
– Concerns from industry groups: The German Hotel Association warned that reverting to basic “blue links” reduces visibility for small businesses and increases reliance on costly third-party platforms.
– EU travel tech lobby: Members like Booking.com and Airbnb criticized Google for not fully addressing concerns and called for DMA enforcement.
The European Commission is currently assessing Google’s proposals, with potential fines for non-compliance reaching 10% of global turnover.
