Google complies with EU rules for travel searches, says the new results stink
The EU continues to go after Google search practices it sees as anticompetitive.
Google, the world's leading search engine, has agreed to conform with new EU regulations following a significant fine of €460 million ($543 million). The European Commission's Digital Markets Act (DMA) forced Google to make adjustments to its travel and shopping search algorithms. However, Google contends that these changes have led to a substantial drop in search quality.
When users in Europe search for services like hotels, Google displays a multitude of sponsored links, booking suggestions, and price-comparison tools. Unfortunately, these results are not organic; they are influenced by Google's own business interests. To find traditional search results for such lucrative queries, users must scroll down the page significantly.
Companies that collaborate with Google can gain increased visibility but the European Commission argues this setup fosters an uneven playing field. According to Google's Nick Fox, the new adjustments are intended to comply with DMA mandates, but they "degrade the user experience for Europeans, boosting online intermediaries at the expense of local businesses and removing helpful features people rely on every day."
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