Local search is the main category of queries on Google, with over one billion search queries having local intent. When looking for a dentist in their city, consumers expect that the results displayed to them are the most relevant ones chosen from across the web on the basis of meritocracy. However, the reality is that when performing a local search on Google today, a significant portion of the page is dedicated to results powered only by Google+ Local.

The European Commission is weighing its options to ensure that consumers searching using Google can access all websites, not just content powered by Google+. The best way to do that is using Google’s own organic search algorithm to identify the most relevant results — regardless of their source — from across the web.

Focus on the User http://www.focusontheuser.eu/ is a simple tool that allows for better results from across the web to be displayed to the consumer, rather than results exclusively powered by Google+. Focus on the User provides a pragmatic solution that maximizes consumer welfare and helps restore competition.