Google's New Search Layout in Europe: A Compliance Measure or a Step Backwards?

Google has rolled out a new search layout in Europe, which it admits is worse than its previous version. The company made this change to comply with an order from the European Commission, which fined Google €460m for favoring its own services in shopping, hotels, transport, and sports results.

The new layout puts a specialized search engine at the top of the page, followed by two more with fewer details, and then a carousel of hotels, airlines, and restaurants. Google has also removed real-time prices from this feature.

According to Nick Fox, Google's senior vice-president for knowledge and information, these changes 'degrade the user experience for Europeans' by 'boosting online intermediaries at the expense of local businesses.'

Google claims that the European Commission pitched this change as a way to level the field for advertisers, but argues that it actually benefits price comparison sites and vertical search services. The company cites examples such as Expedia and Booking.com.