Due to the EU Digital Markets Act (DMA), Google was forced to remove a functional search feature. The EU imposed certain restrictions on major companies like Apple and Google due to concerns about monopolistic practices. With iOS 17.4, Apple was compelled to grant permissions such as allowing third-party app installation and alternative app stores. Similarly, Google made some changes to its search results. Users have reacted negatively to this situation.
Google search results are now less convenient for European countries
In an effort to prevent monopolies in the European Union, the DMA, a law regulating digital and online platforms, came into effect. This law includes restrictions aimed at providing space for competitors of major companies like Google and Apple. As part of this law, Google has removed the Google Maps link from search results.
As you know, when you search with Google, both mobile and desktop versions include map results related to search queries. However, the European Union believes that this map link contributes to monopolistic practices.
Google has indeed removed the map results that appear in searches in EU countries. However, map results still appear in searches. But when users click on these map results, they do not reach a result.
In EU countries, users have expressed their dissatisfaction with the removal of this functional Google search feature. Initially, users perceived this restriction on Google search results as an error. Following this perception, users started opening threads on forums about this issue.
A Google employee also commented on the thread regarding the topic on the forum. The employee explained that the reason for the non-clickability of map results in Google search is related to DMA regulations.
What is the Digital Markets Act (DMA)?
The European Union aims to curb the efforts of major companies to monopolize the market with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) it has introduced. In this regard, it seeks to provide a solution to prevent consumers from being left without alternatives. Especially, companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft are trying to block rival platforms apart from their own services. With the law that came into effect on March 6, Amazon, Apple, ByteDance, Google, Meta, and Microsoft fall under this scope.