How to Reactivate Maps Links in Google Searches (and Why They Disappeared)

The Impact of Digital Markets Act on Google Search Results

The Digital Markets Act is a directive coming directly from the European Union that is changing the way we conduct searches – or find results – on Google.
As Google is the most beloved search engine, not only in Italy but around the world, any changes in terms of functionality and updates on the platform are quickly noticed by all users.
Many have wondered why the links to Google Maps have disappeared when typing any search term.
The reason is simple: to safeguard the competitiveness of businesses operating on the internet, as companies like Google tend to monopolize the market, essentially controlling users’ needs at their discretion.

The Role of Gatekeepers and the European Directive

The Digital Markets Act aims to ensure a more transparent online competitiveness by limiting the visibility of certain services.
Gatekeepers, such as Meta (Facebook and Instagram), Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, and Google, are the internet giants with a significant number of active users and high annual revenues.
These companies are obliged to comply with the directive to promote fair competition among online service providers.

The directive, although launched on March 7, 2024, still presents some uncertainties.
How can competitiveness be guaranteed among service providers? How will gatekeepers adapt over time to ensure fair competition? Many of the mentioned tech giants are gradually adjusting to comply with the regulations, facing potential sanctions if the directives are not followed.

Changes in Google’s Services Post Digital Market Act

The implementation of the Digital Markets Act has led to significant changes in various sectors, including messaging platforms, web browsers, e-commerce, and search engines.
Google, for example, had to remove the Google Flights section and the direct links from Google Search to Google Maps to comply with the regulations.
This means that users now have to separately access Google Maps to obtain detailed location information instead of directly clicking on a link provided in the search results.

These changes create a leveled playing field for competitors and small businesses seeking online visibility, preventing any unfair advantage—such as preferential treatment by Google—from influencing user choices.
To access specific services like Google Maps from Google Search, users can easily re-establish the connection through their Google account settings, thus streamlining the search process.

Restoring Google Maps Links in Google Search

To restore the direct links to Google Maps on Google Search, users can access their Google account settings on the MyAccount Google page under the Data and Privacy section.
By managing connected Google services, users can re-enable the seamless integration between “Search” and “Google Maps.” This straightforward process ensures a hassle-free experience for users, promoting transparency and fair competition among online service providers.

By bridging the connections between various Google services like Google Shopping, Google Play, and YouTube, users can eliminate the inconvenience of navigating between platforms to find relevant search results effectively.