Google is reportedly preparing to modify how its search results are displayed to comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act and avoid potential fines worth billions of U.S. Dollars. According to Reuters, EU regulators raised concerns in March 2025 that Google favored its own services, such as Google Flights and Google Hotels, over third-party “vertical search services” (VSS) like Expedia and Hotels.com. To address these issues, Google has proposed allowing VSS providers to display their own dedicated boxes in search results, alongside Google’s own services.
Google said in its proposal reviewed by Reuters, “We will create the opportunity for each VSS to show its own box on Search. A VSS box will be populated with results from that VSS inventory.” These boxes would appear based on “objective and non-discriminatory criteria,” ensuring fair visibility for all platforms. The company clarified that results from airlines and car rental firms will also remain visible depending on query relevance. The move mirrors Apple’s adjustments under EU pressure to open its ecosystem to competitors. Whether Google’s proposed search redesign will satisfy regulators and prevent further penalties remains uncertain.
