Google Tweaks Its Search Results to Avoid EU Antitrust Fine

In a fresh move to stay on the right side of European regulators, Google has announced new changes to how its search results appear — all part of its ongoing effort to dodge a hefty EU antitrust fine.

The tech giant said it’s working to create a fairer playing field between its own services and those offered by third-party providers. In Google’s words, “We will create the opportunity for each VSS (Vertical Search Service) to show its own box on Search. A VSS box will be populated with results from that VSS inventory.”

Essentially, that means businesses like travel sites, hotel booking platforms, and restaurant finders could soon see their results displayed in dedicated boxes — designed to look and function the same as Google’s own. The company emphasized that these boxes will be awarded using transparent and non-discriminatory criteria, ensuring a level field for all.

This update comes after months of criticism from niche vertical search platforms and comparison websites that accused Google of giving its own products — like Google Flights, Google Hotels, and Google Shopping — the spotlight. With the European Commission watching closely, Google is under pressure to prove that it’s not tipping the scales in its favor.

Sources have hinted that if Google fails to convince EU authorities, a significant fine could be on the horizon. The case falls under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) — the EU’s flagship regulation aimed at curbing Big Tech dominance and giving smaller players a fighting chance.

Google’s tone this time seems more conciliatory. The company said it wants to “close the case” and find a solution that works for everyone — users, businesses, and regulators alike. Still, the tech giant voiced concerns about potential overreach:

“We remain concerned that any further changes to Search would prioritise the commercial interests of a small set of intermediaries over European businesses who want to sell directly to their customers,” a Google spokesperson noted.

Meanwhile, across the Channel, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has been ramping up its own oversight. In a recent decision, it officially designated Google as having “strategic market status” — meaning it now faces stricter obligations under new digital market rules.

Will Hayter, the CMA’s executive director for digital markets, summed it up:

“We have found that Google maintains a strategic position in the search and search advertising sector.”

The message is clear: Europe’s regulators are tightening the screws on Big Tech, and Google knows it has to adapt — not just to avoid fines, but to rebuild trust in how it runs the world’s most powerful search engine.