To keep away from paying billions of {dollars} in fines for violating the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, Google is contemplating altering the best way search outcomes are displayed. Reuters data. EU regulators first took concern with Google’s Search and Play Store companies in March 2025, alleging that they favored their very own providers in search outcomes over third-party choices and prevented builders from informing clients about other ways to entry apps.
One of regulators’ predominant issues with Google Search was that Google appeared to favor outcomes from providers like Google Flights or Google Hotels over these from “vertical search providers,” suppliers specializing in displaying industry-specific search outcomes, corresponding to Expedia or Hotels.com. To keep away from fines, Google now desires Search to provide VSS firms the identical remedy in outcomes.
“We will create the chance for every VSS to show its personal field in Search. A VSS field shall be populated with the outcomes of that VSS stock,” Google stated in a proposal seen by Reuters. Results from Google’s personal providers will exist in the identical format and the successful VSS chart shall be displayed in search outcomes primarily based on “goal and non-discriminatory standards.” Importantly, search outcomes from precise airways and automobile rental firms won’t be excluded; They may also seem in a field “above or beneath the VSS field, relying on relevance to the person’s question.”
Engadget has requested Google to remark Reuters‘ inform and make sure the small print of the proposed adjustments to Google Search. We will replace this text if we obtain a response.
Like Apple, Google faces vital scrutiny from the EU as a result of its monopolistic management over its numerous platforms and providers. The risk of fines from the DMA has compelled Apple to open its merchandise to third-party app shops, amongst a bunch of different adjustments. Clearly, Google is keen to change what as soon as appeared untouchable pillars of its enterprise to keep away from fines, too. However, it stays to be seen whether or not these proposed adjustments shall be sufficient for regulators.