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Google to Highlight South African Companies in Search Results
Google Adds South African Markers: Google has introduced a unique highlight label that separates some South African businesses from others in organic search results.
This development is part of Google’s efforts to comply with the Competition Commission’s remedial actions.
It was outlined in the final report of its Online and Intermediation Platforms Market Inquiry.
Google Adds South African Markers
According to TechCentral, a Google spokesman, said on Monday, “Finally, Google adds South African markers. We are introducing a new local filter optionality for South African travel.
The local filter will also include shopping platforms on our search page and dedicated local curation for apps published on the Play Store by South African developers.”
He further said, “ZA South African highlight is for firms offering online intermediation platform services in travel and e-commerce.”
“These platforms must have their headquarters in South Africa and be owned or controlled by a South African citizen”.
Google South African Markers Part of Remediation Actions
This development is part of a list of remediation actions stipulated by the Competition Commission in Google’s July 2023 final report.
The final report is on the Online and Intermediation Platforms Market Inquiry.
The report read, “Google Search is a de facto monopoly, accounting for over 90% of all general search across desktop, tablet and mobile devices.”
“Given its importance for customer acquisition, visibility on Google Search is critical and impacts on discoverability and website traffic.”
Also Read: How to Apply for FNB Business Loan in South Africa
“The remedial actions should provide greater visibility and opportunity for smaller South African platforms to acquire customers through Google Search.”
“Moreover, this enables growth and greater platform competition with larger, sometimes global, rivals.”
Conclusion
Google emphasized that it is working together with the Competition Commission to identify companies eligible for its “ZA South African highlight”.
Also, the search giant urged eligible platforms not yet identified to apply for the label through a process that will be available in the upcoming weeks.
