Google recently announced changes to its search results and new tools for app developers to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) which seeks to regulate Big Tech’s power in the European Union. The DMA designates tech companies such as Google, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Meta Platforms, and ByteDance as gatekeepers who control millions of users’ and businesses’ access to their platforms. As of March 7, the aforementioned companies will have to be compliant with the DMA.
In January, Google announced some of the changes that apply only to users in Europe and has subsequently made some tweaks in response to feedback from EU antitrust regulators, users, and app developers. The changes to search results will result in large intermediaries and aggregators getting more traffic, while hotels, airlines, merchants, and restaurants will get less, as per Google’s blog post.
Google will ask users for their consent to share their data across Google products and services. Additionally, app developers will be able to use alternative billing systems and not just Google Play’s billing. Besides, a new program will allow developers to directly lead European users outside the app to promote their products.
Furthermore, Google will launch data portability software in Europe this week, making it easier for developers to move user data to a third-party app or service. These changes are aimed at promoting fairness, competition, and transparency in the tech industry while complying with the DMA.
