Google has discontinued its Web page Annotations characteristic within the iOS app, which routinely added search hyperlinks to webpages.
The characteristic was launched late final 12 months and transformed sure web site textual content into Google Search hyperlinks with out writer consent.
Current updates verify that it’s not supported.
Brief-Lived & Controversial
The Web page Annotations characteristic was first introduced in November and attracted consideration for its potential to divert visitors away from web sites.
This characteristic routinely transformed on-page textual content into tappable hyperlinks that directed guests to Google Search outcomes.
In contrast to related options in Google’s ecosystem, Web page Annotations used an opt-out mannequin, which means publishers didn’t have to decide in.
Should you didn’t need Google to insert hyperlinks into your content material, you needed to submit an opt-out type, and the modifications would take impact inside 30 days.
Silent Removing
Google has eliminated all mentions of the Web page Annotations characteristic from its official documentation on “Management what you share with Google.”
The up to date textual content outlines numerous strategies for publishers to regulate their content material’s look in search outcomes however doesn’t point out the now-discontinued characteristic.
Moreover, the annoucement thread on Google’s neighborhood boards has been eliminated.
An archived model of the announcement stays obtainable. See it within the screenshot under:
Why the Reversal?
Whereas Google hasn’t publicly said causes for discontinuing Web page Annotations, the characteristic’s introduction got here at a delicate time for the corporate, which has been dealing with elevated scrutiny over its search and promoting practices.
The characteristic raised issues about Google’s relationship with publishers. By inserting its hyperlinks into others’ content material with out express permission, Google influenced how individuals interacted with web sites inside its app.
Why This Issues
Google’s fast discontinuation of Web page Annotations suggests it might be reevaluating its writer relationships attributable to ongoing antitrust issues.
Publishers not want to fret about Google including hyperlinks to their content material within the iOS app.
Featured Picture: Beneath The Sky/Shutterstock
