Google Now Lets You Hide Sponsored Search Results
▼ Summary
– Google is updating its search results to group all paid ads under a single prominent “sponsored” label that remains visible while scrolling.
– Previously, each individual paid result was labeled separately with a “sponsored” tag on search pages.
– The company describes this change as an effort to improve navigation, though the author questions why users can’t hide ads before scrolling past them.
Finding ways to streamline your online experience just got a little easier with Google’s latest search update. The tech giant is now testing a feature that allows users to hide sponsored search results after they have scrolled past them. This change groups all paid listings under a single, more noticeable label at the top of the search page, replacing the individual “sponsored” tags that previously appeared on each advertisement.
The new design consolidates advertisements into a collapsible section. As you browse, this section remains clearly marked, and at its bottom, you will find a button to hide the sponsored content. You must first scroll past the ads to access this option. Once you tap the hide button, the sponsored results collapse under their heading and stay out of view. Tapping the button again will expand the section to show the ads once more. Google has confirmed this update is currently being distributed to users on both desktop and mobile platforms.
Historically, Google has gradually made its paid search results visually resemble organic listings, a practice that has frequently drawn criticism. The company previously changed its labeling from “ads” to the more subtle “sponsored” around 2020. Some observers suggest this terminology feels less intrusive and aligns with the kind of sponsored content popular on social media.
Google describes this new feature as an initiative to simplify navigation within search results. While the ability to hide ads is a welcome step, it does require users to view them first. This approach likely reflects a careful balance between improving user experience and protecting the company’s primary revenue source from advertising. The feature offers more control, but it stops short of allowing users to bypass sponsored content entirely before it is displayed.
(Source: The Verge)
