Google Maps is over! The tech giant complies with EU orders to remove navigation services from search results
For years, Google Maps has been a go-to tool for millions worldwide, seamlessly integrated into search results for instant access to directions, locations, and more. But if you’ve noticed something missing recently, you’re not imagining things. Due to European Union regulations, Google has been forced to remove its Maps functionality from its search results, marking a significant shift in how we interact with the tech giant’s ecosystem.
The driving force behind this change is the Digital Markets Act (DMA), an EU regulation designed to challenge the dominance of major tech companies and foster a more competitive digital marketplace. Introduced to level the playing field, the DMA imposes new rules on the biggest players, aiming to give users more choice and control over the digital services they rely on.
One of the key targets of this legislation is Google, whose integration of services like Maps, Calendar, and Docs within its search engine has been criticized as stifling competition. By linking its ecosystem so tightly, Google has effectively ensured that users rarely stray beyond its platforms. The DMA is now forcing the company to unravel some of these connections, starting with Maps.
