Google Announces Product Tweaks Ahead of European Union’s Digital Markets Act Compliance Deadline

Google is making significant changes to its products ahead of the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) compliance deadline on March 7. The DMA aims to promote fairness and competition in digital markets, with penalties for violators reaching up to 10% of global annual turnover.

One of the key changes Google is implementing includes additional browser and search choice screens for users of Android phones and Chrome for desktop and iOS devices. These screens will give users more control over their preferences and choices when setting up their devices.

Additionally, Google is stopping the default linking of personal data across user accounts for certain products to comply with the DMA’s ban on using data for advertising without consent. Users in the European Economic Area will now have the option to choose if they want to continue sharing data across Google services.

Furthermore, Google is launching a program for Android developers to lead users outside the app to promote offers, potentially reducing the commission fee Google charges through its app store. This change could boost developers’ profitability and provide more flexibility in directing users to their own websites for payments.

The company is also introducing a data portability API for developers in the EEA to meet DMA requirements, following in the footsteps of TikTok, another DMA gatekeeper. These data portability requirements aim to enhance competition by facilitating service switching and data access for businesses.

Despite the high level of DMA risk for Google, the company’s blog post suggests it is on track to comply with the regulation, highlighting existing features like the ability for Android users to install alternative app stores. However, some of the changes announced by Google have faced criticism, such as regional search result tweaks that allegedly breach the regulation’s ban on self-preferencing.

As the enforcement era of the DMA approaches on March 7, the European Commission will play a crucial role in ensuring compliance and enforcing the regulation. Stakeholders will have the opportunity to provide feedback on gatekeepers’ compliance reports, with the Commission having the power to investigate noncompliance and deploy interim measures if necessary.

Overall, Google’s proactive approach to implementing changes in line with the DMA reflects the company’s commitment to complying with EU regulations and promoting fair competition in digital markets.