Google Maps EU DMA Removal: What You Need to Know

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A Person Driving a Car Navigating with Google Map on Cellphone
Credit: pexels.com, A Person Driving a Car Navigating with Google Map on Cellphone

As of September 2022, Google Maps is no longer allowed to use its vast amounts of user data to provide personalized ads in the EU.

Google Maps will still be able to provide users with directions, traffic updates, and other useful information, but it won't be able to use personal data to create targeted ads.

This change is a result of the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to promote fair competition and protect user data.

The DMA requires large tech companies like Google to separate their data collection and ad targeting activities, effectively limiting their ability to use personal data for targeted advertising.

For another approach, see: Google Eu

Google Maps Issues

Google Maps is no longer allowed to give its own products preferential placement in search engine results pages (SERP) in the European Union.

The Digital Markets Act (DMA) has forced Google to restrict the linking of its services and the exchange of data collected, such as between YouTube and Google Maps.

Person Using Google Maps Application Through Black Android Smartphone
Credit: pexels.com, Person Using Google Maps Application Through Black Android Smartphone

A restaurant searched for on Google no longer appears prominently on Google Maps in the EU. However, this practice will continue in the rest of the world.

The DMA aims to improve competition in the digital sphere by preventing web giants from sharing data between their own services.

Google searches showing YouTube videos are now considered a form of monopolizing, and this practice is banned in the EU.

Here are some examples of banned monopolizing practices:

  • Facebook opening WhatsApp calls (both owned by Meta)
  • Bing searches prioritizing LinkedIn results (both owned by Microsoft)
  • Google searches showing YouTube videos (both owned by Alphabet)

The DMA came into force on March 6, 2024, and Google will only be allowed to share data with clear user consent in the EU.

Digital Markets Act (DMA)

The Digital Markets Act (DMA) is European Union legislation aimed at regulating the power of “Very Large Online Platforms” (VLOPs), often considered as “gatekeepers” or access controllers to the digital market.

The DMA seeks to ensure fair competition by imposing specific obligations on large tech companies, such as transparency and refraining from anti-competitive practices.

Credit: youtube.com, The EU DMA: Impact on Google, Booking.com and Beyond

The DMA aims to counter the anti-competitive practices of VLOPs and limit the inequalities resulting from their dominance over the digital market.

VLOPs are accused of monopolising a vast part of the European digital landscape, making competition nearly impossible for small and medium-sized businesses.

The DMA also aspires to ensure greater transparency in data collection and use, while empowering users in their platform choices.

The DMA strives to combat the monopoly and unfair competition exercised by VLOPs, particularly by the GAFAM (Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, and Microsoft).

Dwayne Zboncak-Farrell

Senior Assigning Editor

Dwayne Zboncak-Farrell is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a keen eye for compelling content. With a strong background in research and writing, Dwayne has honed his skills in guiding projects from concept to completion. Their expertise spans a wide range of topics, including technology and software.

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