What you need to know
- Google has agreed to display clear information to EU consumers about its services.
- Google Store, Play Store, Google Hotels, and Google Flights will be modified from time to time to comply with the Agreement.
- The purpose of this agreement between Google and the EU is to ensure that consumers receive clear information to make informed decisions.
- The European Commission has not clarified when the changes will take effect.
In our commitment to consumer protection, Google is moving forward with the latest agreements with EU regulations.
According to a European Commission press release, Google has made a commitment to provide EU users with clear information when using its services (via Engadget). This process began in 2021 when discussions began between Google and the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network (CPC). The issues raised by the European authorities revolved around Google Store, Google Play Store, Google Hotels and Google Flights.
The Alphabet-owned company plans to make changes to its services, starting with Google Flights and Google Hotels. Users can more clearly indicate whether they are dealing directly with Google or if Google is simply acting as an intermediary. You’ll see detailed information about the price that will be used as a reference when showing discounts, and a warning that the reviews shown are not verified by Google Hotels.
These two services are also expected to follow the same transparency commitments that other Google competitors use to present information.
For the Play Store and Google Store, users are presented with clear “pre-contract” details regarding shipping charges, right of withdrawal, and availability of repair or replacement options. Google will also provide consumers with simple information about the company’s legal name and address, as well as effective ways to contact them.
Additionally, users can quickly find information on how to browse the different country versions of the Google Play Store, developers are informed of their obligations to comply with geo-blocking regulations, and the entire EU can access their apps. will be
Attorney General Didier Reinders said: “EU consumers have a right to clear and complete information so that they can make informed choices. Google’s initiative is a step in this direction. It’s progress,” he said.
The aforementioned Google services are not the first to be brought to EU authorities. There was a time when Google’s job search service faced scrutiny for potential anti-competitive behavior. Despite the allegations, Google remained adamant that its job service aims to “make job searching as easy as possible.”
