Google has rolled out major changes to its Search results in Europe as it works to comply with the EU's Digital Markets Act, following a €460 million fine imposed in July for favoring its own services in areas including shopping, hotels, transport, and sports. Under the revamped format, one specialized search engine will appear prominently at the top of the page, followed by two others with less information, while listings for hotels, airlines and restaurants will appear below them with features including real-time prices removed, and Google's algorithm will determine the rankings. The European Commission gave Google 60 days to comply with the DMA or face periodic penalty payments of up to 5% of its total worldwide turnover, and Google Senior Vice President Nick Fox said users outside the European Union will not be affected. Google told Reuters the changes represent the largest reduction in Search service quality in its 29-year history, and said previous DMA-related changes resulted in a 30% decline in free, direct booking traffic to European businesses. The EU also imposed a separate €430 million fine in July over restrictions on steering users toward cheaper offers outside Google Play, and Reuters reported that Google's EU antitrust penalties have reached €10.38 billion over nearly two decades.
Alphabet Inc Class CGoogle must overhaul European Search results to comply with the EU DMA after a €460 million fine, with threats of penalties up to 5% of worldwide turnover.
