Observed Signal · Feb 15, 2024 · Deprecation · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Negative
Google Business Profile Websites Shut Down
Google has announced the end of free websites created via Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). Beginning March 1, 2024, these sites will stop functioning, with a transition period through June 10, 2024 during which they will redirect to the corresponding Business Profile. After June 10, visitors will see a 'Page not found' error. Google emails affected customers outlining alternatives, while noting that businesses can still publish information on their Business Profiles and link to social channels. SEO expert Barry Schwartz circulated the announcements on Threads, sharing Google's internal email to affected users. Google’s press team stressed that small businesses will retain access to Business Profiles and other resources to connect with customers online, even if they don’t maintain a standalone website.
Deprecation of a free Google service with significant impact on small business online presence.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Google will shut down free Google Business Profile Websites starting March 1, 2024.
- From March 1, 2024, the websites will no longer function.
- By June 10, 2024, affected sites will redirect to the Google Business Profile.
- After June 10, 2024, visitors will encounter a 'Page not found' error.
- Google emails affected customers with alternatives, including continuing to publish business info on Business Profiles and linking to social media.
Connected Companies & Entities
1 Entity mappedRelated Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Google launches unified agentic AI for Gemini
At a Google Cloud event on Thursday, Google announced it is bringing agentic AI to its Gemini assistant, launching a unified agent that can autonomously plan and execute tasks on behalf of users. Aimed initially at businesses, the agent can connect to internal systems and external tools, use custom skills, and even choose from third-party models like Anthropic's Claude. It will have its own Workspace account with an email address, and will write its own audit trail. Early testers include On, Shopify, and PayPal. Gemini has over 1 billion monthly active users, and nearly 90% of Fortune 100 companies use Gemini Enterprise.
US Government Excludes Microsoft from Visa Program
The US government has barred Microsoft from participating in the permanent residency process for foreign workers with H-1B visas, accusing the company of abusing the program. Vice President JD Vance stated that Microsoft laid off 6,000 American employees last year while benefiting from 6,300 H-1B visa holders. The Department of Labor, led by Keith Sonderling, will not accept new permanent residency applications from Microsoft, as well as several consulting firms and Adobe. This action comes weeks before the midterm elections and reflects the Trump administration's broader criticism of the H-1B program, which it claims disadvantages American workers. Microsoft has not yet responded. The move could impact the tech industry's ability to retain skilled foreign talent.
US suspends Microsoft, Adobe from green card labor program
The Trump administration has suspended Microsoft, Adobe, and six other major tech firms—Capgemini, Cognizant, HCL, Infosys, Tata, and Wipro—from the U.S. Permanent Labor Certification program, which facilitates green cards for skilled foreign workers. Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling cited active federal investigations and alleged fraud, noting that no new or pending applications from these companies will be accepted. Vice President JD Vance accused Microsoft of replacing laid-off workers with H-1B visa holders. Microsoft defended its practices, stating that most U.S. employees are American and that 80% of its H-1B petitions were for existing employees. The announcement was made during a White House summit on H-1B fraud, and the administration also plans to investigate nine universities, including Harvard, Yale, and Stanford, over student visa program abuse.
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