TripAdvisor and Yelp, two of the biggest names in crowdsourced reviews, say that Google is using its position as the dominant online search engine to push Google-backed reviews ahead of links to review sites.
Recode reports that this accusation comes in response to a recently launched Google search feature that highlights critics’ reviews of restaurants. As a results, say execs for TripAdvisor and Yelp, links to review sites are being de-prioritized.
Yelp CEO Jeremy Stoppelman Tweeted a photo of the new search results that appear to show Yelp reviews on the third page of a mobile search.
“Google monopolist not satisfied with above the fold they’ve now claimed ‘page 2,’” he posted.
The screenshot shows a mobile search result for French restaurant, Gary Danko, in San Francisco. The first page of results shows the restaurant’s listing, contact information, Google review rating, and website.
The second page, where other web results were once featured, is now dedicated to critic reviews, including those from Zagat, which is owned by Google.
The third page now features the restaurant’s website, Yelp reviews, and other results.
Stoppelman isn’t the only one to notice the change, TripAdvisor CEO Stephen Kaufer Tweeted his displeasure over the weekend, as well.
Recode notes that both TripAdvisor and Yelp have been complainants in the European Union’s case against Google for anticompetitive practices, including claims that the search giant intentionally promotes its own products over others.
Google, which has denied accusations in the past, declined to provide comment to Recode on the CEOs’ claims.
Google keeps finding new and creative ways to piss off Yelp and TripAdvisor [Recode]
by Ashlee Kieler via Consumerist
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