Nevertheless, no visual examples of these transformations have been presented yet, casting some doubt on how the new format will roll out.
Google’s bid to adhere to the DMA has drawn flak from travel aggregators, who are apprehensive about the influence of rich features on hotel search queries né?. Google is stirring things up once again, this time in response to grumbles from the European Union regarding its search results. The company believes these changes strike a necessary balance called for by the DMA, while also striving to offer European users and businesses with valuable technology.
The proposed alterations entail showcasing expanded units in search results for products, restaurants, flights, and hotels, giving users the alternative to pick between Google’s outcomes and those of its competitors. This new format will showcase simple “blue link” results, all in an effort to address concerns about complying with the Digital Markets Act.
The Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the EU packs a punch with hefty penalties for noncompliance, making it a serious business for Google né?. This move is seen as a reluctant one by Google, catalyzed by calls to reverse more sophisticated features to a straightforward blue link format.
As Google navigates the maze of DMA compliance, the European Commission will ultimately decide if the tech giant’s proposed modifications align with regulations né?. The integration of maps, pricing details, and direct links to hotel websites could potentially favor suppliers and leave comparison sites struggling to stay afloat.
The tech giant is gearing up to carry out a “brief test” to gauge the impact of axing certain features from search results, like maps and hotel listings. It appears that this move is Google’s maneuver to sail through the DMA rules and set major online travel aggregators against other travel retailers influenced by its search platform.
Google’s latest updates will not only impact the travel industry but also product searches and restaurants. Travel comparison sites in particular have not held back in criticizing Google’s endeavors to skirt its responsibilities.
In a recent blog post Google’s legal director Oliver Bethell pointed out a decrease in “direct booking clicks” following the tweaks to the search results. The company has been under the watchful eye for rolling out fresh features that competitors argue violate the DMA’s regulations against self-preferencing. The tech juggernaut revealed its plans to test out a new search layout for hotel queries in Belgium, Estonia, and Germany. In the meantime, other concerns have surfaced, including allegations from privacy-focused search engine DuckDuckGo about Google’s data handling and the choice screens mandated by the DMA.
