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 rivals, aiming to avoid potential fines from the EU for allegedly favoring its own services in search results for hotels, flights, and restaurants [1][2]. Group 1: Proposed Changes - Google has developed various proposals to address concerns from rivals and EU regulators since being charged with breaching the Digital Markets Act in March [2]. - The upcoming changes will display both vertical search services (VSS) and Google results, with top-ranked VSS shown by default [3]. - The initial rollout will focus on searches for accommodations, with plans to expand to flights and other services later [4]. Group 2: Regulatory Context - The European Commission, responsible for enforcing EU competition laws, has not commented on the proposed changes [4]. - Google has incurred fines totaling €9.71 billion ($11.5 billion) since 2017 for various antitrust violations in Europe [5]. - The EU's regulatory actions against Big Tech have heightened tensions with the United States, leading to tariff threats and a visa ban against a former European Commission official [5].