Google has introduced a new feature called “Page Annotation” in the Google app for iOS, which has sparked a lot of criticism. According to Google, this feature allows interesting elements of a webpage to be extracted and summarized in a single line. However, this new feature also means that links are created on a website, opened through the Google app, that were not placed by the website owners themselves. When users click on one of these links, they are redirected to a Google search that opens in a popup window on the website.
For website operators, this new feature could quickly become a nuisance. Firstly, Google does not ask for their consent before inserting links on their websites. Secondly, this new feature means that the tech giant is actively diverting iOS users away from the websites. Google has introduced a form that allows website operators to opt out of the new feature. However, it can take up to 30 days for the opt-out to take effect.
The idea behind “Page Annotation” is not new. Earlier this year, Google introduced an ad format in Adsense called “Ad Intents,” which functions similarly. Here, texts from a website are turned into an ad that, when clicked by users, leads to a Google search. The difference is that website operators must actively choose to participate in “Ad Intents.” With the new feature in the Google app, it’s the opposite.
The tech giant is currently under increased scrutiny due to its dominance in the search engine market. According to the Federal Cartel Office, Google’s search market share in Germany is over 80 percent. In this context, the decision to release another feature that further expands Google’s power is rather surprising. Particularly problematic is the fact that website operators must actively object to have the newly inserted links removed from their sites, even though they never agreed to the new feature.
This development raises concerns about Google’s growing dominance and the impact on website owners who have not consented to these changes. As Google continues to innovate and expand its services, it remains important for users and website operators to stay informed and take necessary actions to protect their interests.