Alphabet Inc. Proposes Changes to Search Policies to Avoid EU Fines
Introduction
Google has sent a proposal to the European Commission to change its spam policies after an investigation into how the company lowers the ranking of publisher content.
Main Body
The current conflict began in November when the European Commission started an investigation under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This law is designed to limit the power of giant technology companies. The investigation was caused by complaints from publishers about Google's 'site reputation abuse' policy. This policy targets 'parasite SEO,' which happens when third-party content is placed on well-known websites to unfairly improve search rankings. Monitoring by the European Commission showed that this policy led to the systematic lowering of rankings for news and publisher websites that include content from commercial partners. Consequently, the Commission argued that this practice interferes with the legitimate ways that publishers make money from their websites. If these proposed changes are accepted by regulators and competitors, Alphabet Inc. may avoid a legal order to change its business operations. This is critical because DMA violations can lead to fines of up to 10 percent of a company's total global annual revenue. Furthermore, this follows a history of competition fines totaling 9.5 billion euros already imposed on the company by the EU.
Conclusion
Google is now waiting for feedback from the involved parties regarding these policy changes to avoid further penalties from the EU.
Learning
đ The 'Professional Link' Strategy
To move from A2 to B2, you must stop using simple words like and, but, or so to connect your ideas. B2 speakers use Logical Connectors to show cause and effect.
Look at this transformation from the text:
"...this practice interferes with the legitimate ways that publishers make money... Consequently, the Commission argued..."
The B2 Power-Up: "Consequently" Instead of saying "So, the Commission argued..." (which is A2 level), the author uses Consequently. This word acts like a bridge, telling the reader that the second event happened because of the first one.
đ ī¸ How to use it in your own speech:
| A2 Style (Basic) | B2 Style (Professional) |
|---|---|
| I was late, so I missed the meeting. | I was late; consequently, I missed the meeting. |
| The price is high, so people don't buy it. | The price is high; consequently, demand is low. |
Pro Tip: Notice that Consequently usually starts a new sentence or follows a semicolon (;). It adds a 'formal weight' to your English that examiners and bosses love.
đ Spotting the Pattern
The article also uses "Furthermore".
- A2: "And also, they paid fines."
- B2: "Furthermore, this follows a history of competition fines..."
The Rule: Use Furthermore when you want to add a second, stronger point to your argument. It doesn't just add information; it builds a case.