CAN YOU TRUST GOOGLE'S SEARCH RESULTS....

Google has a 75 per cent share of Europe's search market ,so being at the top of Google listings is crucial for most companies . But ...

Google has a 75 per cent share of Europe's search market ,so being at the top of Google listings is crucial for most companies . But rather than just being a means to search the internet, Google also owns a huge number of other services . This means that when you search for something on Google , your eye might not be drawn to the most relevant result-instead , you'll probably click on another service Google owns .Let's take a search for ' gas grill'  as an example . At present Google shows pictures of grills available to buy at the top of the page,along with their price . These results are all from Google Shopping , which other price comparison websites said was unfair . The same is true for a location-based search such as 'cafes in Paris' . The list of Parisian cafes displayed all link to Google services such as Google Maps and Google+.

By placing its own results so prominently and including eye-catching images Google is distracting people from clicking results from rival companies and sucking up all the money in the process . After years of wrangling Google has finally reached a legally binding agreement with the Commission which will see it avoid a multi-billion Euro fine by making wholesales changes to how it displays search results in Europe .

Once the Commission approves the changes - a process that should be complete in a few weeks - that same search for 'gas grill' will give equal prominence to results from rival services alongside Google Shopping results . A search for 'cafes in Paris' will also clearly display listings from rival services.

European Commissioner , Joaquin Almunia , said he would not be seeking feedback on the deal from rival companies ,saying that the changes would allow people to find "the best alternative" . "My mission is to protect competition to the benefit of consumers ,not competitors" , he added .Rival companies are up in arms that Google's proposals won't be openly tested to see how effective they are .ICOMP - a lobbying  group that counts Microsoft as one of its members - said that Almunia risked having " the wool pulled over his eyes" . From many people Google is the internet . Until these changes are made ,every Google search helps to extend its monopoly . But even after the changes ,it's important that you don't blindly trust Google to always show you the best results.