this post was submitted on 05 Jan 2025
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Google Maps is over! The tech giant complies with EU orders to remove navigation services from search results (jasondeegan.com)
submitted 4 days ago by ByteOnBikes@slrpnk.net to c/technology@lemmy.world
113 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

For years, Google Maps has been a go-to tool for millions worldwide, seamlessly integrated into search results for instant access to directions, locations, and more. But if you’ve noticed something missing recently, you’re not imagining things. Due to European Union regulations, Google has been forced to remove its Maps functionality from its search results, marking a significant shift in how we interact with the tech giant’s ecosystem.

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[–] xyx@sh.itjust.works 24 points 4 days ago (2 children)

It's not about enforcing an inferior product - it's about enforcing the freedom of choice. The way google was forcing its services down everybodies throat led to a market where people didn't even know that something besides gMaps exists. Now competitors at least have some sort of chance.

[–] small44@lemmy.world 4 points 4 days ago (2 children)

It would be freedom of choice if google was required to put an option to select the default map service in google search

[–] my_hat_stinks@programming.dev 4 points 4 days ago

They were, but chose to remove the feature instead of complying.

[–] xyx@sh.itjust.works 6 points 4 days ago

Well.. kinda the same as when Microsoft was forced to give its users the "choice" for a different browser. Took ages to implement and still, Microsoft tried to get around it. Just look how easy it is to purge Edge from Win11 or to even replace it with something else for links embedded in the o/s itself.

[–] Fubarberry@sopuli.xyz 2 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Ii get what you mean, but for the most part this will just inconvenience most people while also not making it any more convenient to use a competiting product.

[–] my_hat_stinks@programming.dev 4 points 4 days ago

You're absolutely right, Google chose to inconvenience their users rather than make it simpler for the user to choose their service. This is what Google chose to do rather than comply with regulation to make the field fairer. Google did this. The article is a PR piece to shift blame from Google for yet another anti-user decision Google made.

Google is not the good guy.