Search Engine Recap - Week 32 (2024)

This week, we dive into Google’s expansion of the “About this image” feature, insights from Search Console, and a major ruling against Google in the U.S. Here is an overview.

Google Expands “About This Image” Feature

Google has expanded its "About this image" feature to include Circle to Search and Google Lens, providing image context in 40 languages worldwide.

This tool offers details on an image’s origin and usage, helping users verify the authenticity of images.

The update also includes an algorithm adjustment to combat explicit deepfakes, reducing their visibility in search results and enhancing overall credibility.

These efforts aim to improve digital literacy and protect users from misinformation.

New Recommendations in Search Console

Google has introduced a new "recommendations" feature in Search Console, offering suggestions based on data from your website.

This experimental tool provides direct advice on optimizing domain performance, such as implementing structured data and identifying trending searches.

The feature is designed to help websites easily identify areas for improvement.

The rollout is gradual, with recommendations updated regularly and provided only when relevant to specific websites.

Updated Publisher Tag Ads Library

Google has updated its Publisher Tag Ads Library to improve Interaction to Next Paint (INP) scores and ad loading efficiency.

The new adYield Config option gives publishers greater control over ad loading behavior, enhancing user experience and potentially improving search rankings.

This update focuses on delaying the loading of ads outside the viewport, prioritizing visible content and interactions.

The full impact of these changes will become clearer in the upcoming Chrome User Experience (CrUX) report, expected on September 10, 2024.

Major Ruling Against Google in the U.S.

We wrap up with what is likely the biggest news of the week.

A U.S. federal judge has ruled that Google violated American antitrust laws by maintaining monopoly conditions in search and advertising.

The ruling highlighted Google’s monopolistic practices, including paying for default status on devices and browsers like Apple’s, which stifled competition.

This decision could significantly impact Google’s business operations and influence other antitrust cases in the industry.

While specific remedies have yet to be determined, potential consequences may include changes in Google’s behavior and restrictions on agreements for default search services. However, an appeal is expected.

Takeaways and Recommendations

Week 32 brought various updates, but the headline was undoubtedly the ruling against Google.

A decision in the U.S. that targets the monopolistic conditions of tech giants—something that could impact market competition moving forward.

The immediate impact may be minimal, but the U.S. has definitely drawn a line in the sand.

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