Google to comply with EU consumer information rules

Google will provide more transparency for consumers buying products through the company’s ecommerce platforms, such as the Google Store. The tech giant is doing so to comply with the rules set by the European Union. However, the company still breaches EU laws on geo-blocking.

In recent years, Google was investigated by European consumer authorities led by the Dutch watchdog ACM and the Belgian Economic Inspection. The company was made to comply in order to avoid further investigations and fines.

As a result, Google has agreed to make changes to its ecommerce products and services. For example, it should become easier for shoppers in Google Store and Google Play Store to find out information about the seller. Google’s one-sided cancelling orders or changing prices in Google Store will be limited. Prices on Google Hotels and Google Flights also have to be more transparent.

Aside from these changes in consumer transparency, Google also breaches EU laws on geo-blocking. European consumers cannot purchase certain goods when they are temporarily in another EU member state.

According to Google, users can change their country of residence once a year to get access to local apps and games. However, the European Commision writes, this may result in losing previously acquired content and outstanding credit.

Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders from the European Commission says that EU consumers are entitled to clear, complete information so that they can make informed choices. The commitments made by Google are a step forward in this direction. The commission calls on Google to comply fully with the Geo-blocking Regulation, ensuring that consumers can enjoy the same rights and access the same content, wherever they are in the EU.

European consumer authorities are said to monitor changes made by Google and ‘enforce compliance where concerns remain’.