As of: March 13, 2024, 9:30 p.m
By: Ulrike Hagen
Comments
Press
Split
Navigation in Google Maps changed in March: It is no longer possible to click directly on maps in search results.
The reason is a new EU regulation.
Kassel – One click – and you knew.
If you wanted to find a restaurant, a shop or a place of interest in Google search, you only had to enter the name and Google would immediately spit out the address and location.
Clicking on the map displayed took you directly to Google Maps.
Until now.
Now the map section shown is static.
If you try to click on it, you won't get anywhere.
The reason for this is the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a European regulation that came into force on March 7th.
But there are ways to get around the problem.
Navigation in Google Maps changed in March: It is no longer possible to click directly on maps in search results.
(Symbolic image) © Imago/Sopa Images
New EU law makes navigation more difficult: What the Digital Markets Act means for Google Maps users
Users who recently wanted to search for an address in Google Search on their computer will have already noticed the change: only a static map section is displayed above the search results displayed.
Clicking on it no longer automatically leads to navigation via Google Maps.
Google Maps, which recently set new standards with Immersive View, is also no longer available in the buttons above the results.
What is the Digital Markets Act (DMA)?
The European Commission's Digital Markets Act has been in effect since March 7, 2024.
Then companies that determine the digital market must have implemented the EU’s legal requirements.
The aim of the law is to curb the power of large technology companies and create fairer conditions for digital competition.
In particular, the DMA aims to regulate the activities of “gatekeepers” in the digital market, i.e.
H.
by companies that have a strong market position and are able to control other companies' access to their platforms.
To counteract this development, the DMA is introducing specific rules for so-called gatekeepers in order to make the market more dynamic and open to competition.
The law currently applies to 22 platforms, such as WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube - and also Google Maps.
This is based on the assumption that some large platform operators have achieved such a dominant position that they could consolidate their position and limit competition.
“Difficult compromises”: Google Maps announces changes to usage options
Finding addresses has been more difficult since March 7th.
The automatic linking of its own services, as Google has previously done automatically with Google Maps, is no longer permitted under the DMA.
The new EU regulation also resulted in changes to WhatsApp.
This is intended to prevent competitors from being disadvantaged.
Google itself announced that some services can no longer be linked in Germany.
Annoying change: Google Maps can no longer be clicked via addresses
For example, you can no longer type the name of a restaurant or attraction into Google Search and immediately jump to navigation in Google Maps.
The displayed map section is now static; clicking directly no longer leads any further.
My news
“Battery rain” hits cars: Who bears the costs? read
Tariff dispute in public transport: Are there new strikes on buses and trains in North Rhine-Westphalia? read
More money for public sector employees: This is how much salary there will be from March reading
Date fixed for the next GDL strike – daily topics show angry rail customers read
These three public programs will soon disappear from cable network reading
Motor vehicle insurers are struggling with problems: angry customers and in the sights of the Bafinlesen
Trick out changes in Google Maps
If you want to take a closer look at a map, you have to go to the map provider of your choice, such as OpenStreetMap, Bing Maps or Here We Go.
However, the static map section in Google
Maps can be avoided with a trick, advises
chip.de.
Instead of clicking directly on the map, you can select the route planner button (Directions) - this then leads to Google Maps.
Or: You stay logged in with your Google account at all times.
Then there is the option to link Google Search to Google Maps by default.
To do this, go to your Google account settings and activate the connection option.