Photo by AS Photography
Google is a leading search engine with over 16,4 billion daily searches. It’s also a popular digital marketing spot for search advertising. The Google Ads revenue for 2024 was $237.86 billion with $49.39 billion coming from just search ads. The search engine is also filled with AI suggestions, voice assistants, ecosystem integration, and convenience which makes it the leader in the search engine industry. There are reports that show that the market share of Google is more than 90%, meaning 9 out of 10 use Google to search for information.
In this blog, we are going to look at why Google still controls search even as the market expands with new competitors such as Apple’s potential entry.
You Always Have Options To Strengthen Search Protection
Many users know about Google’s aggressive data collection practices but still use Chrome because of its convenience. Even though users can switch to a different browser, they don’t since Google provides more accurate and faster results.
You can pause or delete Google search history or even opt out of ad targeting, but a more comprehensive solution would be using something like a secure proxy service. It can reduce Google’s tracking ability which helps you stay secure and private when browsing online.
Google tracks up to 39 different data points of a user such as their location history, browsing habits, and app usage. Moreover, Google Analytics is used by more than half of the websites globally; that’s over 37.9 million websites that can track users even when they are not on Google-owned properties.
DuckDuckGo, a Google Search alternative, is a better option in this context because it already blocks some tracking mechanisms. But if it is used alone without a proxy, Google can still collect data through IP addresses, cookies, and browser fingerprints. A proxy adds an extra layer of protection. Luckily, for those who like the security features of DuckDuckGo but the convenience of Google, a DuckDuckGo proxy can be a great solution to mask the IP address and prevent Google and third parties from linking searches to a specific device or location.
This is a more practical way to improve privacy without switching Chrome altogether. It also has other benefits, such as access to region-specific content on streaming services and avoiding price discrimination with things like flight ticket prices.
The Psychology And Technology Behind Google’s Convenience
Google is a popular choice as a search engine due to its accuracy and speed. But many people simply opt for Google because they are used to it. The interface is simple, fast, and reliable which makes switching unnecessary. This is because our minds are conditioned by Google’s ease of use and it’s not easy to switch habits when it feels inconvenient.
The tech giant also has a good ecosystem with integrations across Gmail, Drive, Chrome, and Android. If users leave the search engine, then they are losing out on easy access to these benefits. Google wants to keep users within its ecosystem, which is why it also promotes YouTube over other video sources as it owns the platform.
Rumors Of Apple’s Search Engine
Apple has always been a direct competitor of Google in terms of mobile OS, web browser, and more. Even though Apple has been relying heavily on Google as its search engine with its Safari web browser, it has made progress with Siri and Spotlight in terms of AI search. There are also rumors regarding Apple’s entry into the search engine market. If Apple launches its own search engine, it may take note of the privacy concerns with Chrome and improve upon it.
The Anti-Trust Pressure On Google
There is also increased anti-trust pressure from the EU and US towards Google since they are not providing clear choices for selecting the default search engine. Moreover, the US Department of Justice and the UK’s CMA are putting pressure on Google for violating antitrust laws and new digital competition laws. If these investigations lead to regulatory changes, then it could end Google’s exclusive deals with Apple and Android manufacturers which could open more possibilities for competitors.
Will Google Lose Its Grip On Search?
Even if new competitors may challenge its monopoly, Google is unlikely to lose its position overnight. They have built their position due to years of innovation and technological advancements.
Caroline is doing her graduation in IT from the University of South California but keens to work as a freelance blogger. She loves to write on the latest information about IoT, technology, and business. She has innovative ideas and shares her experience with her readers.
