Exclusive: Google to test changes to search results, source says as EU fine looms

Core Viewpoint - Google is preparing to test changes to its search results to enhance the visibility of rival services, aiming to avoid a significant EU fine for alleged preferential treatment of its own services in search results [1] Group 1: Proposed Changes - Google plans to display top-ranked vertical search services (VSS) by default in its search results, alongside its own offerings [1] - The initial focus of these changes will be on searches related to lodging, with plans to expand to flights and other services later [1] Group 2: Regulatory Context - The European Commission is enforcing the Digital Markets Act, which allows fines of up to 10% of a company's global annual revenue for breaches [1] - Google has incurred €9.71 billion (approximately $11.5 billion) in fines since 2017 for various antitrust violations in Europe [1]