Google Removes Practice Problem Data from Search
▼ Summary
– Google is removing practice problem structured data support from search results starting January to simplify the results page.
– The change is part of Google’s ongoing evaluation to phase out lesser-used features that don’t add significant user value.
– Practice problem structured data will be removed from Search Console reporting, Rich Result Test, and search appearance filters.
– Dataset structured data is clarified as only used by Dataset Search, not Google Search, and book actions markup remains in use.
– Website owners using practice problem markup should plan to remove it and monitor documentation for structured data updates.
Google has officially announced the removal of practice problem structured data from its search results, a change set to take effect in January. This decision forms part of a broader initiative to streamline the search results page, according to Search Advocate John Mueller. The company regularly assesses its features to ensure they remain beneficial for both users and website owners, and certain elements that see low usage and provide minimal value are being phased out. Google believes newer advancements on the results page can deliver information to searchers more effectively.
The specific alterations involve practice problem structured data being eliminated from Search Console rich result reporting, the Rich Result Test, and the list of Search appearance filters. A deprecation notice has been added to the relevant documentation. For a transitional period, the Search Console API will still support the practice problem type before it is completely discontinued.
In related updates, Google provided clarification on Dataset structured data, noting it is exclusively utilized by Dataset Search and not by the main Google Search engine. Consequently, the deprecation banner was removed from the Dataset documentation to avoid confusion. Similarly, the deprecation banner was taken down from the Book actions documentation, as that markup continues to be actively used for features within Google Search.
The core motivation behind these changes is to create a more simplified and efficient search experience. For the vast majority of searches, users are unlikely to observe any difference, and the overall update is expected to contribute to improved speed. Website owners and developers who have implemented practice problem markup are advised to plan for its removal and redirect their efforts to other areas. Keeping an eye on the official documentation changelog is recommended for the latest information on structured data used by various Google features.
(Source: Search Engine Journal)
