Google has announced that it will redirect country code top-level domain names (ccTLDs) for Google Search to google.com, aiming to streamline the user experience across the globe.
Users around the world visited country-specific sites like google.co.in (India) or google.co.uk (UK). However, Google says that going forward, all search users will be directed to google.com.
“This change will be rolled out gradually over the coming months, and you may be prompted to re-enter some of your Search preferences in the process,” Google said in a blog post.
Google emphasized that this update will not impact how Search functions or how the company complies with national laws. “It’s important to note that while this update will change what people see in their browser address bar, it won’t affect the way Search works, nor will it change how we handle obligations under national laws,” the company added.
The search giant noted that in 2017, it had begun offering “the same experience with local results for everyone using Search” if users were using google.com or their country’s ccTLD. “Because of this improvement, country-level domains are no longer necessary,” Google explained.
