The European Commission is reportedly preparing to charge Google with not fully complying with the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
According to sources, Google’s recent tweaks to its search algorithms haven’t satisfied regulators’ requirements, prompting the EU to step up its scrutiny.
Key Details
Under the DMA, tech companies are expected to offer a level playing field in the EU.
The probe on Google focuses on whether the company is pushing its services, such as Google Shopping, Flights, and Hotels, over competitors.
Regulators are concerned that by giving these in-house services a leg up, Google could be stifling competition.
Failure to adhere to the DMA rules could cost a company up to 10% of its global annual revenue, which shows how significant the potential penalties could be.
Google’s Response
In response to regulatory pressure, Google has gradually changed its European search results.
These adjustments address complaints from price-comparison sites, airlines, hotels, and small retailers.
Google details the changes it’s made in response to the DMA in a blog post. Key changes include: