Tuta Mail, a competitor of Google's Gmail, has accused Google of unfairly manipulating search results to disadvantage their encrypted email service. Tuta Mail claims that since March, their service has significantly dropped in visibility on Google searches related to "encrypted email" and "secure email." This alleged manipulation has resulted in a drastic decrease in traffic to Tuta Mail's website, with monthly visits plummeting by nearly 90%.
Google, however, denies these accusations, asserting that Tuta Mail remains easily accessible through its search engine. Google explains that its search ranking algorithm undergoes regular updates, which can impact the visibility of websites in search results. Although Google acknowledges an update in early March that may have caused fluctuations in rankings, it maintains that its updates are not intended to favor any specific website, including its own.
Tuta Mail argues that such actions by Google hinder the growth of smaller, niche email services like theirs and violate a new EU law that designates certain large firms, including Google, as "gatekeepers." This law prohibits these companies from favoring their own services over competitors. Tuta Mail claims that Google's actions undermine their market viability and profits, directly challenging the principles outlined in the Digital Markets Act.
In response, a Google spokesperson points out that Tuta Mail actually ranks above Gmail for various email-related searches, even those not explicitly mentioning the Tuta brand.
