Google's iOS app now inserts search links into web pages without websites' owner consent

Google's Search app on iOS is introducing a new feature called Page Annotations, aimed at changing user interaction with webpages. This feature automatically identifies and highlights “interesting entities” on a webpage, allowing users to tap these highlights and be redirected to a Google Search results page within the app. This process occurs without explicit permission from the user or website owner, effectively inserting links that were not originally included by the publisher.

When a highlighted entity is clicked, the app exits the current webpage and opens a search results page in a pop-up window. Website owners concerned about this feature have the option to opt-out through a form provided by Google. However, the opt-out process may take up to 30 days to be effective, while the feature is already operational.

This development comes at a time when Google is under scrutiny in antitrust investigations related to its search and advertising practices, making the introduction of Page Annotations a particularly surprising move.