Google Commits To Give Consumers Clearer and More Accurate Information To Comply With EU Rules 9
European Commission: Have you ever struggled to understand whether you were buying directly from Google or from a different brand, or had difficulty finding information about final costs? In order to further align its practices with EU law -- mainly on lack of transparency and clear information to consumers -- Google has committed to introduce changes in several of its products and services. Following a dialogue started in 2021 with the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network (CPC), coordinated by the European Commission and led by the Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets and the Belgian Directorate-General for Economic Inspection, Google has agreed to address issues raised by the authorities and to introduce changes in Google Store, Google Play Store, Google Hotels and Google Flights to ensure compliance with EU consumer rules.
Following the dialogue, Google has committed to limit its capacity to make unilateral changes related to orders when it comes to price or cancellations, and to create an email address whose use is reserved to consumer protection authorities, so that they can report and request the quick removal of illegal content. Moreover, Google agreed to introduce a series of changes to its practices, such as:
Google Flights and Google Hotels:
1. Make clear to consumers whether they contract directly with Google or whether it is simply acting as an intermediary;
2. Clarify the price used as a reference when discounts are advertised on the platform, as well as the fact that reviews are not verified on Google Hotels;
3. Accept the same transparency commitments as other big accommodation platforms as regards the way it presents information to consumers, for example, on prices or availability.
Google Play Store and Google Store:
1. Provide clear pre-contractual information on delivery costs, right of withdrawal and availability of repair or replacement options. Furthermore, Google will facilitate also information on the company (e.g. legal name and address) and direct and effective contact points (e.g. a live telephone agent);
2. Clarify how to browse different country versions of the Google Play Store and inform developers about their obligations under the Geo-blocking Regulation to make their apps accessible EU-wide, as well as enable consumers to use means of payment from any EU country.
Following the dialogue, Google has committed to limit its capacity to make unilateral changes related to orders when it comes to price or cancellations, and to create an email address whose use is reserved to consumer protection authorities, so that they can report and request the quick removal of illegal content. Moreover, Google agreed to introduce a series of changes to its practices, such as:
Google Flights and Google Hotels:
1. Make clear to consumers whether they contract directly with Google or whether it is simply acting as an intermediary;
2. Clarify the price used as a reference when discounts are advertised on the platform, as well as the fact that reviews are not verified on Google Hotels;
3. Accept the same transparency commitments as other big accommodation platforms as regards the way it presents information to consumers, for example, on prices or availability.
Google Play Store and Google Store:
1. Provide clear pre-contractual information on delivery costs, right of withdrawal and availability of repair or replacement options. Furthermore, Google will facilitate also information on the company (e.g. legal name and address) and direct and effective contact points (e.g. a live telephone agent);
2. Clarify how to browse different country versions of the Google Play Store and inform developers about their obligations under the Geo-blocking Regulation to make their apps accessible EU-wide, as well as enable consumers to use means of payment from any EU country.
Anybody Else Misread "Google Commits"? (Score:2)
Thought for a moment we were talking about a Github competitor.
Why doesn't Apple get hit with similar fines? (Score:3)
I'm not here to defend Google, but Apple's store rules are no different than Google's rules.
So why don't I read about Apple getting subjected to similar investigations and fines?
They're just as anti-competitive as Google is.
Re: (Score:3)
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/0... [nytimes.com]
https://www.engadget.com/eu-ap... [engadget.com]
https://www.phonearena.com/new... [phonearena.com]
HTH HAND
Re: (Score:2)
So why don't I read about Apple getting subjected to similar investigations and fines?
Because you didn't do a Google search.
Re: (Score:2)
US makes innovation and EU makes rules
Free markets provide the things people want.
Free market requires informed consumer and choice. The EU by this regulation ensures that free market can work. I am surprised the USA have no such regulations. Without them there is no free market.
Make it a contract. (Score:2)
If they aren't obligated then this commitment is as strong as their commitment to "protecting" your privacy.