Google and The Digital Markets Act

[Abaros]

---

System: The following 3 messages were cut out of thread at: https://www.webmasterworld.com/google/5053055.htm [webmasterworld.com] by engine - 10:28 am on Dec 23, 2021 (utc 0)

---

It wouldn't surprise me if google employees visit this forum for a good laugh.

Fortunately in Europe they will stop laughing soon:
[ec.europa.eu...]

It is the new law they are preparing to prevent things like:

- treat services and products offered by the gatekeeper itself more favourably in ranking than similar services or products offered by third parties on the gatekeeper's platform

- prevent consumers from linking up to businesses outside their platforms

- prevent users from un-installing any pre-installed software or app if they wish so

Sometimes I feel lucky to be European.

[Abaros]

Many of you who write or simply read here don't think you can do anything to change the current situation regarding Google's "organic mistreatment" of content creators.

The common user thinks that if a Youtube video comes up first it's because it really is the best possible result, not knowing that Google favors their properties in searches. Or how organic local search results favor Google properties.

Posting about Google's practices can help raise awareness of the problem among users and therefore policy makers.

You can also keep coming back here to cry for a while :-)

[Jmh90]

@Abaros, well said. I’m convinced that many small companies (myself included) would have a genuine case at legally challenging google over how they can treat a particular website and make it obsolete overnight.

The main issue is finding a lawyer who can understand the complexities and the inconsistencies within the algorithm and presenting them in a way that clearly holds google accountable.

Google are arrogant and know that the costs to be able to go toe to toe with them are way above what a small/mid size company can ever afford, unfortunately it’s the small companies that get nailed every year.

But when those that do have a genuine case decide to pursuit google, it can pave the way for a huge £2.1 billion fine imposed by the EU commission.

Have a read of Foundem V Google, small comparison site run by a UK couple who triggered Google’s recent £2.1billion fine from the EU commission.