Over 20 price comparison websites across Europe have called on regulators to take action against Google over its proposed changes to search results.
For over a year, Google has been in talks with comparison sites, airlines, hotels, retailers, and restaurants to find ways to comply with the DMA.
The law prohibits Google from prioritising its own products over competitors.
Over 20 price comparison websites across Europe have called on regulators to take action against Google over its proposed changes to search results, saying the tech giant still isn’t complying with European Union (EU) regulations. For over a year, Google has been in talks with comparison sites, airlines, hotels, retailers, and restaurants to find ways to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The law prohibits Google from prioritising its own products over competitors.
Last month, Google introduced a new proposal that includes expanded search result units, designed to give users more choices between comparison sites and supplier websites. Google also hinted at the possibility of reintroducing the old “ten blue links” search format from years ago if an agreement can’t be reached with its rivals. This test format is already being trialed in Germany, Belgium, and Estonia.
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However, the price comparison websites—such as Germany’s Idealo, France’s Le Guide, PriceRunner, Kelkoo, and others—say Google’s proposal still falls short of the DMA’s rules. In an open letter, they accused Google of ignoring their feedback and continuing to push the same non-compliant solution, reports Reuters. They stated, “Google has simply, repeatedly, ignored this feedback, and instead continued to iterate on the same non-compliant solution for months.”
The websites argue that after over 100 meetings with Google, the company’s lack of meaningful changes suggests that Google is deliberately ignoring the DMA’s requirements. “If Google has not taken feedback into account after more than 100 events, it can only mean one thing: Google is wilfully not complying with the DMA,” the letter reads.
In response, Google referred to a blog post from November 26, highlighting the numerous changes it had made to comply with the DMA and find a resolution. However, the websites are calling on the European Commission to take stronger action. They urged the Commission to continue its proceedings against Google and impose fines to ensure compliance.
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Ayushi Jain
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