A European law called the Digital Markets Act goes into effect soon. Now Google must follow it by changing how certain programs connect with each other.
The DMA aims to reduce unfair limits set by giant tech firms. As a result, Google outlined new options coming in March. People in Europe will be able to choose if apps like YouTube or Maps link together.
Services you can mix and match include Search, Play Store, Gmail, Maps and Photos. Google warned that mixing things up could cause issues, like missing hotel reservations between Search and Maps.
Still, fans want more freedom over private info shared between programs. Unlinking YouTube from Search stops YouTube from knowing search terms, for example. Now everyone can pick the combo that fits their needs.
Although just for Europe so far, this could eventually help users worldwide too. Expecting a one-linked setup isn’t fair if some apps aren’t wanted together. More choices empower people over tech giants tracking everything by default.
Thanks to the DMA, Google adapts by respecting user privacy through linked service customization. It sets a precedent for informed consent rather than forced all-or-nothing data sharing between associated products.
