Alphabet-owned Google, which is making a series of changes to meet the requirements of EU’s latest Digital Markets Act (DMA), has expressed concerns some rules will reduce the choice available to people and businesses in Europe.
The world's largest provider of search and video advertisements said it was making changes after discussion with the European Commission, industry stakeholders and consumer associations through workshops, events and direct interactions.
They are the result of “intensive work over many months” from engineers, researchers, product managers and product designers from across the company, said Oliver Bethell, Google’s director for competition.
“A number of the new rules involve difficult trade-offs that will impact the people and businesses who use our products.”
This is the fairest way to offer alternative billing, as it puts the user fully in control of their preferred transaction method
Oliver Bethell,
Google’s director for competition
“We have sought to balance various important issues and engage with relevant stakeholders about these trade-offs as we implement our compliance measures.”
For example, Google said changes to its search platform may send more traffic to large intermediaries and aggregators, and less to direct suppliers such as hotels, airlines, merchants and restaurants.
For consumers, some of the features Google has developed to help get things done quickly and securely online, such as providing recommendations across various products, will not work in the same way any more, it added.
The National looks at the new law and some of the changes that Google has made to comply.
What is Digital Markets Act?
The new law, which will come into force on March 8, aims to make the digital sector markets “fairer and contestable” in Europe.
It establishes a set of criteria to identify “gatekeepers”, large digital platforms providing services such as online search engines, app stores and messenger services.
DMA, which requires operating systems to allow users to use third-party apps and app stores, is one of the first tools to regulate the gatekeeper power of large digital companies such as Google and Apple.
The European Commission said companies that depend on gatekeepers to offer their services will have a “fairer business environment”, while technology start-ups will have new opportunities to compete.
It will also allow consumers to compare prices and switch their service provider if they wish.
More choices for consumers
Google said it has introduced more than 20 product changes, including dedicated units to let users find comparison sites in areas such as flights, hotels and shopping.
As per the new regulations, companies like Google will show additional choice screens to users. When users use an Android (Google-owned OS) phone, they can easily switch their search engine or browser.
Giving users more control over their data
Currently, Google shares data across some of its products and services to offer personalised content and ads, depending on users’ settings. Now users in the European Economic Area can choose if they want to continue to share data across Google services or not.
Google is also upgrading its advertising products and tools to help advertisers communicate consent for data they collect, in accordance the long standing EU end user consent policy.
Alternative billing
The DMA requires app stores to allow developers to use alternative billing systems for the completion of in-app purchases.
Google has launched two programmes that allow app developers to transact with their EEA users through the developer’s own billing system, rather than through Google Play’s billing system.
“This is the fairest way to offer alternative billing, as it puts the user fully in control of their preferred transaction method,” Mr Bethell said.
Google Play also allows developers to communicate with customers outside their app about offers or lower-cost options available on a rival app store or the developer’s website.
Caught on the wrong foot in Europe
Google has previously faced troubles in EU over various issues related to misleading advertising and the amount of tax it pays.
In July 2021, it was fined €500 million ($542.3 million) by French authorities after the company failed to comply with orders on how to conduct “fair” talks with the country's news publishers and agencies.
In June 2021, Google agreed to pay €220 million to French authorities and said it will change the way its online advertising works.
In March 2019, it was also fined €1.5 billion by the EU for practices deemed to be anti-competitive. This followed previous anti-trust disputes in 2017 and 2018 that led to the company being slapped with total fines of €6.8 billion.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
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Emergency phone numbers in the UAE
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
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Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
The biog
Age: 59
From: Giza Governorate, Egypt
Family: A daughter, two sons and wife
Favourite tree: Ghaf
Runner up favourite tree: Frankincense
Favourite place on Sir Bani Yas Island: “I love all of Sir Bani Yas. Every spot of Sir Bani Yas, I love it.”
Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut
Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”
EPL's youngest
- Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal)
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15 years, 235 days old
- Jeremy Monga (Leicester)
15 years, 271 days old
- Harvey Elliott (Fulham)
16 years, 30 days old
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16 years, 68 days old
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- Premier League-standard football pitch
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