Google (GOOG) (GOOL) is set to test changes in displaying search results to level the playing field with rivals as it seeks to avoid an EU fine for prioritizing its services in searches for hotels, flights, and restaurants, Reuters reported on Wednesday, citing a source.
According to the EU, Google is in breach of the bloc’s Digital Markets Act for what it calls “self-preferencing” its services. The U.S. tech giant could face fines up to 10% of its annual revenue in Europe if it fails to satisfy the regulator with the changes.
The report said the company has yet to implement the changes after rivals complained that they were not enough.
The source told Reuters the proposed changes include displaying search results from both vertical search services and Google results, with top-ranked vertical search engines displayed by default.
Hotels, airlines, restaurants, and transport services with real-time data from feeds will sit either below or above the list of vertical search engines, the report said.
The changes will soon be rolled out across Europe, initially focusing on searches for lodgings but later adding flights and other services, the source told Reuters.