After desktop, Google now simplifies mobile search engine switching to comply with EU rules
The change was first spotted in the desktop version.
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Key notes
- Google now tries to simplify the way you change your default search engine to meet EU’s law.
- Now on Android, the company first introduced this change on the desktop version.
- Alphabet, Google’s parent company, has been listed as one of the “gatekeeper” under the new rule.
Google has been working closely to comply with the new European Digital Market Act (DMA) law. This time, the popular browser is making it easier for mobile users, specifically on Android, to switch their default mobile search engine.
The tech giant first introduced this change on desktops. As we previously mentioned, users now encounter a search engine selection screen upon first opening Chrome.
Additionally, for those who prefer to modify their default search engine via Settings, the traditional dropdown menu has been replaced with radio buttons adjacent to each listed search engine.
It’s not that big of a change, but insider @Leopeva64 on X (fka Twitter) revealed that this very same UI change has arrived on Google Chrome Canary, the browser’s experimental channel, on Android.
The addition of logos next to each search engine can enhance user recognition. Could we see the implementation of prompts that allow users to select their preferred default search engine upon installation, as is the case on desktops? Only time will tell.
Take a look at the discovery:
European authorities adopted the DMA to address concerns about the growing monopoly power of tech companies, especially in areas of online advertising, search engines, and app stores.
Google’s parent company, Alphabet, has been listed as one of the “gatekeepers” under this rule.
