The American Google was forced to make display changes in several of its services such as Google Store, Google Play Store, Google Hotels and Google Flights. In question: sometimes vague mentions and a great lack of transparency. As much in the nature of the opinions as in the role of Google as an intermediary.
Google is preparing to make a (big) effort to clarify the information of some of its services! Far from being a voluntary action, it is the result of the action of the European Commission (EC) which has just twisted the arm of the American by forcing him to clarify a lot of information within its portals which are Google Store, Google Play Store, Google Hotels and Google Flights.
As a preamble to the presentation of the results of Google’s commitments in this transparency operation – clarification of its role as an intermediary in Google Flights, clarification of practical and legal information on the Google PlayStore, etc. – the EC press release mentions the creation of an email address “whose use will be reserved for consumer protection authorities, so that they can report illegal content and request its rapid removal. »We read here between the lines that communications between the American firm and the EC were too slow in the opinion of the latter. The official creation of an emergency priority mail should thus prevent Google, in the future, from releasing the map of the mail which was lost in limbo (modern version of the dog which ate the homework).
On the Google services side, here are the clear changes that Google will have to make to its services (excerpts as is from the EC press release):
Google Flights and Google Hotels:
- Clear statement telling consumers whether they are contracting directly with Google or whether Google is simply acting as an intermediary;
- Clear indication of the price used as a reference when discounts are advertised on the platform, and mention that the reviews are not verified on Google Hotels;
- Acceptance of the same transparency commitments than those of other major hosting platforms with regard to the presentation of information, for example on prices or availability, to consumers.
Google Play Store and Google Store:
- Provision of clear pre-contractual information on delivery costs, the right of withdrawal and the availability of repair or replacement options. In addition, Google will also facilitate obtaining company information (eg company name and address) and contact details for direct and effective contact (eg via hotline);
- Clear indication of how it is possible to view country-specific Google Play Store versionsand information for developers on their obligation under the geo-blocking regulation to make their apps accessible across the EU and allow consumers to use payment methods from anywhere which EU country.
The discussions are not (never!) over
Relations between the major American groups and the institutions of the Union being what they are, the press release does not only welcome the progress… it continues on a one more thing outlining the “next steps” of relations with Google. Because the work is not finished, especially on the side of Google’s geographic blocking rules, where the American’s services still contravene European law. Concretely, Google’s zoning can lead to the loss of content for a European user on the move or when traveling. A mechanism that contravenes the principle of free movement of people and goods that prevails in our union.
Read also: Digital Markets Act: Apple and Google’s nightmare is already starting to fall behind (May 2022)
And the European Commission to make it clear that it intends to do its job with clear elements of language by ensuring that ” the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) network will actively monitor the implementation of these commitments, and national authorities will monitor and enforce compliance if issues remain “. Google lawyers haven’t finished hearing about the Commission….
European Commission
