Google role in search is under scrutiny in court, with debates about whether it holds a monopoly. iPhone users might feel less impacted than Android users, but Google’s default presence on their devices plays a key role in the discussion. Now, a new change in Google’s iOS app has caught attention, surprising many.
According to SERoundtable, Google has introduced a “Page Annotation” feature in its iOS app. This means that while browsing a webpage in Google’s in-app browser, the app can highlight certain words or topics as clickable links. Clicking these links takes users back to Google search results. Website owners cannot control these links, which are automatically added by Google.
The problem for website owners is significant. Visitors are being redirected from their sites to Google Search, reducing engagement on their pages. To stop this, site owners must submit an opt-out form, but the process is slow, taking 30 days to take effect. SERoundtable criticizes this, saying it further disadvantages website owners by diverting their traffic.
Adding these links raises concerns about privacy and security. While Google’s automated system is secure, users may worry about links redirecting them away from the original site they chose to visit. This also raises questions about Google’s control over user navigation and its influence on browsing habits.
Google’s support page explains the feature and mentions that website owners can opt out by submitting a form. However, until the change is implemented, the annotation feature will remain active.
For users, the privacy concern is significant since Google tracks all browsing history and associates it with their accounts. As The Verge points out, this move seems unusual, especially as Google faces antitrust investigations into its search and advertising practices.
If you’re an iPhone user worried about security and privacy, the best solution is to use a secure browser instead of Google’s app.