Google Slashes Search Quality Amid EU Antitrust Crackdown
Alphabet's subsidiary Google has made significant changes to its online search results in Europe, following EU antitrust regulations. According to officials, these adjustments will degrade user experience and increase business costs.
The modifications represent the largest reduction in quality of Google's 29-year-old search service. The company claims that the changes, intended by the EU to level the advertising field, inadvertently favor sector-specific price comparison services over traditional business listings.
In July, a €460 million fine was imposed on Google for prioritizing its services in violation of the EU's Digital Markets Act. The European Commission mandated Google to adjust its operations within 60 days or face ongoing penalties potentially reaching 5% of its worldwide earnings.