Google has announced changes to its search results and tools for app developers in an effort to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) that seeks to limit the power of Big Tech companies. The DMA designates Google, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Meta Platforms, and ByteDance as gatekeepers who control access to their platforms by millions of users and businesses.
The changes, which were originally announced in January, are applicable only to users in Europe and have been tweaked in response to feedback from EU antitrust regulators, users, and app developers. According to Google, the changes to search results will benefit large intermediaries and aggregators, while businesses like hotels, airlines, merchants, and restaurants may receive less traffic. Users will be asked to provide consent to share their data across Google products and services.
As part of the new tools for app developers, they will be able to use alternative billing systems instead of Google Play’s billing system. Additionally, a new program will allow app developers to directly lead European users outside the app to promote their products. Google will also launch data portability software in Europe this week, making it easier for developers to move user data to a third-party app or service.