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Google proposes fresh tweaks to search results in Europe

Economic Times · 8d

Google is proposing more changes to its search results in Europe following complaints from smaller rivals about decreased traffic to their sites. The company is seeking to address conflicting demands from various groups, including price-comparison sites, hotels, airlines, and small retailers, while complying with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Google plans to introduce expanded and equally formatted units that allow users to choose between comparison sites and supplier websites. It also aims to provide new formats for rivals to display prices and images on their own websites, along with new ad units for comparison sites. Additionally, Google intends to conduct a test in Germany, Belgium, and Estonia where it temporarily removes the map showing hotel locations and the results beneath it. Despite being reluctant to take this step, Google hopes to find the right balance between meeting DMA requirements and user interests.