When it comes to big tech conglomerates, Europe has a reputation for being quite strict when it comes to enforcing the laws that apply to them. Before the European Union forced Apple to change their iPhones from lightning ports to USB-C ports, this was a huge deal, considering Apple had no plans to do this before they were pressured to do so by the union. Recently, Google has announced that it will be making changes to several of its products and services to ensure that they are in compliance with EU laws regarding transparency and providing clear information for their customers.
Google has agreed to address issues raised by consumers and to make a number of changes to Google Store, Google Play Store, Google Hotels, and Google Flights as a result of discussions with the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network (CPC), led by the European Commission. According to Didier Reynders from the European Commission’s Justice department, consumers in the EU have a right to clear and comprehensive information so that they can make informed decisions, and Google’s commitments are an important step in this direction.
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As part of the agreement, Google is limiting its ability to make unilateral changes to orders as well as creating an email address that can be used by consumer protection authorities to report illegal content and to request it be removed. Listed below are a few major changes that Google will incorporate into its business practices as a result of these changes
