Google to Trial Search Changes Amid Looming EU Fine: Source

• The new search format will display top-ranked vertical search engines by default alongside Google results, with hotels, airlines, restaurants, and transport services with real-time data positioned either above or below the list of rival search engines
• Changes will initially roll out across Europe focusing on lodging searches before expanding to flights and other services
• EU fines for Digital Markets Act violations can reach up to 10% of a company's global annual revenue, and Google has already accumulated €9.71 billion ($11.5 billion) in EU antitrust fines since 2017

Summary: Google to Trial Search Changes Amid Looming EU Fine

Key Development: Google is preparing to test changes to its search results in Europe to give rival services greater prominence, aiming to avoid substantial fines for allegedly violating the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA).

Specific Changes:

• Top-ranked vertical search engines (VSS) from sectors like hotels, airlines, and restaurants will be displayed by default alongside Google's own results
• Hotels, airlines, restaurants, and transport services with real-time data will appear either above or below the list of vertical search engines
• Rollout will begin across Europe, initially focusing on lodging searches before expanding to flights and other services

Financial Stakes:

• DMA violations can result in fines up to 10% of global annual revenue
• Google has already accumulated €9.71 billion ($11.5 billion) in EU antitrust fines since 2017

Background:

Google has been charged with breaching the Digital Markets Act by favoring its own services in searches for hotels, flights, and restaurants. The company has proposed various solutions since the charges, but rivals have complained these measures were insufficient, delaying implementation.

Market Context:

The EU's intensifying crackdown on Big Tech for anti-competitive practices has escalated tensions with the United States, prompting tariff threats. The conflict centers on Europe's efforts to force online platforms to provide fair competition and combat illegal content.

Timeline: Changes expected to roll out soon, with exact dates not specified.

The European Commission, serving as EU competition enforcer, declined to comment on the developments.