Google has started implementing changes to its search results in the European Economic Area (EEA) to comply with the European Union’s recently passed Digital Markets Act (DMA).
The DMA, which came into effect on March 6, aims to promote fair competition in Europe’s digital market by imposing new rules on big tech companies designated as “guardians”.
Freelance SEO consultant Brodie Clark shared recent examples of these changes on Twitter, highlighting the quiet introduction of “Products” and “Product Sites” tabs by default with organic merchant listing results and focused web pages, respectively.
SEO News: Google has quietly introduced some major changes to its search results.
In the past, we’ve seen Google test different search menu tabs, mostly focusing on changes related to “Web Results” or “Forums” (a replacement for “Insights”).
Now watching a… pic.twitter.com/xA77zweFlc
— Brodie Clark (@brodieseo) March 21, 2024
Previously announced search features
In a February announcementGoogle offered an early glimpse of these new search experiences for Europeans.
According to the announcement, these updates are designed to provide users with rich and relevant information while improving the visibility of aggregators, suppliers and businesses.
The new rich carousel result can appear for travel, local and shopping queries.
Accompanying these changes are dedicated “aggregation units” that include links to aggregation sites around the web.
Compliance reports reveal the extent of changes
As part of the WFD’s transparency requirements, Google and other “gatekeepers” had to submit detailed compliance reports to the European Commission by March 7, outlining the steps they have taken to follow the new rules.
On his reportGoogle revealed that it is making the following changes to search results in Europe:
Removal of a number of unspecified features Introduction of new features, such as opportunities for third-party vertical search services and direct providers Implementation of new controls for the exchange of personal data between services.
looking ahead
As Google and other “gatekeepers” continue to adapt their products and services to comply with the WFD, EEA users can anticipate further changes to their digital experiences.
The DMA is part of a broader effort by the European Commission to reform the digital landscape and rein in the power of big tech companies.
The coming months will reveal how effective the DMA is in achieving its goals.
Frequently asked questions
What new features has Google introduced in Europe to adapt to DMA regulations?
Google has introduced several new features to its search results within the European Economic Area (EEA) in response to the DMA regulations:
A “Products” and “Product Sites” tab in search results to promote fair competition and improve visibility for organic merchants. The launch of rich carousel results, which are likely to appear for searches related to travel, local deals and shopping. Dedicated “aggregation drives” have been included to direct users to various aggregating websites.
These features are part of a broader set of changes aimed at modifying Google services to provide more opportunities for third-party vertical search services and direct providers, improve data protection, and provide greater data portability.
What steps has Google taken to ensure compliance with the WFD’s transparency requirements?
Google has instituted several measures to align with the transparency requirements proposed by the Digital Markets Act:
Google has submitted a detailed compliance report to the European Commission, as mandated by the DMA, outlining its actions. It has removed certain unspecified features from its platform to comply with the new rules. New controls have been implemented for sharing personal data between services to strengthen user privacy. Google has developed policy and compliance training across the company. The company has also worked to improve existing data portability opportunities for users.
These actions demonstrate Google’s efforts to adjust its product and operational practices to comply with DMA regulations.
Featured Image: Michael Derrer Fuchs/Shutterstock
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