Tuta Mail Raises Alarm Over Google Search Ranking Plunge Amidst DMA Rollout

Tuta Mail, a prominent German encrypted email service, has raised concerns over a significant drop in its visibility on Google search results coinciding with the enforcement of the European Union’s new Digital Markets Act (DMA).

The company, boasting over 10 million users globally, alleges that Google’s search algorithms underwent changes that disproportionately affected its ranking, prompting questions of fairness and transparency in the digital marketplace.

In a formal complaint submitted to the DMA task force, Tuta Mail outlined a sudden and drastic decline in its presence across various search queries following the implementation of the DMA. Whereas the service was previously well-positioned for keywords related to encrypted email, it now predominantly appears for searches specifically mentioning its brand name, Tuta or Tutanota.

CEO Matthias Pfau expressed frustration over the lack of clarity from Google regarding the alterations to its search algorithms, highlighting the detrimental impact on Tuta Mail’s accessibility and user acquisition efforts.

Google’s Response: Google has denied allegations of preferential treatment towards its own products, asserting that search ranking updates are intended to provide users with relevant and useful information.

Read more: Microsoft and Google Accept EU Gatekeeper Status Without Challenge

A spokesperson for the tech giant emphasized that Tuta Mail remains accessible through global searches and suggested that fluctuations in search rankings are a natural consequence of algorithmic adjustments. Despite Tuta Mail’s attempts to engage with Google on the issue, the company claims to have received no meaningful response from the tech giant.

Tuta Mail’s complaint comes amid heightened scrutiny of major tech companies by European regulators, particularly regarding their compliance with the DMA.

The European Commission recently launched investigations into Google, Apple and Meta Platforms over potential breaches of the new regulations, with a particular focus on whether search results unfairly disadvantage third-party services. The outcome of these investigations could have significant implications for the digital landscape in Europe and beyond.

Source: Reuters