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Google wraps ‘blue links’ search test, lobbies for less maximalist application of EU’s DMA

Google has ended a test in which it was returning basic "blue link" search results for hotel-related searches in a handful of markets in the European

These blue links appeared instead of visually richer results, where its search engine will display thumbnail photos of hotels along with price info and also plotting their location on a map. Nor should Google devising, running and framing its own test, and then pronouncing results that dovetail with its push for a minimalist interpretation of how the DMA applies to its business, surprise or impress the regulation’s enforcers, either. But the wider issue of how to apply the DMA to such a dominant search tool in a way that doesn’t introduce some friction or negative knock-on impact for European consumers and businesses is harder to ignore.

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