Google Agrees to Update Offerings to Comply With EU Consumer Protection Laws

John Lopez, Tech Times 27 January 2023, 08:01 am

Google has announced updates to several of its offerings, including Google Store, Google Play Store, Google Hotels, and Google Flights, to comply with consumer protection laws in the European Union, The Verge reports.

The changes are being made because European authorities are putting pressure on the tech giant to comply with EU geo-blocking rules fully. The goal is to give consumers more precise information and transparency when shopping online.

Important Changes

One of the most significant alterations that Google will make to its services will be establishing a clear distinction between the services that Google gives itself and the instances in which it acts as an intermediary for other businesses.

These changes will be especially noticeable on Google Flights and Google Hotels, where users can easily identify when reference prices are used for discounts advertised on the platform. This will make this feature particularly notable.

In addition, Google has agreed to follow the same transparency commitments as other hotel accommodations platforms like Booking.com and Expedia by clearly stating that Google Hotels does not independently verify its reviews.

Consumers will be able to make better-informed decisions about their travel plans, which will ensure that they get the best deals available.

"EU consumers are entitled to clear, complete information so that they can make informed choices. The commitments made by Google are a step forward in this direction," Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders said in a statement.

In addition to these adjustments, Google will also begin providing customers with more transparent information regarding the costs of delivery, their right to withdraw from the transaction, and the availability of repair or replacement options wherever they are available.

When consumers make purchases through Google's platforms, this will help them understand their rights and responsibilities and ensure that they are fully aware of any additional costs or obligations associated with their purchases. Read more about the official EU press release here.

Improving App Accessibility

Google is also taking measures to improve app accessibility across the EU, allowing customers to use payment methods from any country within the EU.

No matter where they are located, consumers will find it much simpler and more convenient to shop for apps and other digital content, thanks to this change, contributing to increased competition and innovation in the digital market.

Another significant improvement that Google plans to introduce is the restriction of its right to independently change prices or cancel orders made through the Google Store.

This will help ensure that customers are not exploited by unanticipated changes to their orders or prices, and it will also give customers more control over their shopping experiences.

In addition, Google will remove illegal content by communicating directly with European consumer protection authorities to do so via a dedicated email address. This will result in improved online safety for consumers located in the EU.

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