EU price comparison websites group together to blast Google's (GOOGL.US) search overhaul, calling for regulators to hit it with a fine

On Wednesday, more than two dozen price comparison websites in Europe united to voice their strong criticism of Google's (GOOGL.US) proposed changes to its search results, saying the adjustments still do not comply with EU tech rules and strongly urging regulators to file charges against Google's relevant departments. The action was triggered by Google's series of reforms to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to prohibit Google from giving its products and services undue preference on its platform.

For more than a year, Google has been consulting with various stakeholders, including price comparison websites, hotels, airlines, restaurants, and retailers, on how to implement the provisions of the DMA. Last month, Google unveiled its latest proposal, which includes expanded and uniform units aimed at giving users the opportunity to choose between comparison websites and supplier websites.

At the same time, Google said it would likely revert to the "ten blue links" model as an alternative if it fails to reach consensus with its competitors, which is currently being tested in Germany, Belgium, and Estonia.

However, price comparison websites such as Idealo and billiger.de in Germany, Le Guide, PriceRunner, Kelkoo, and kieskeurig.nl in France, and trovaprezzi.it in Italy expressed strong dissatisfaction with Google's proposal, accusing Google of not incorporating their feedback.

In their open letter, they pointed out that Google repeatedly ignored their opinions and repeatedly proposed solutions that were still not compliant. They argued that Google's failure to change after more than 100 rounds of feedback indicated that Google was intentionally evading the provisions of the DMA.

Responding to the criticism, Google referred to its blog post on November 26, which outlined its many efforts over the past year to comply with the DMA and seek a solution. However, the price comparison websites did not accept Google's explanation and insisted on calling for further action from the European Commission.

They demanded that the Commission continue to file lawsuits against Google's non-compliance, publish preliminary investigation results, and impose fines on Google, including regular fines, to force Google to ultimately comply with the provisions of the DMA.