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Google App Adds More Control Over Link Sharing on Android
Android users of the Google app now have greater control over how URLs are shared, thanks to a newly introduced setting that disables the automatic use of Google’s link shortener. This update represents a significant improvement for those who prefer sharing direct, original web addresses—improving transparency and user trust.
How Google’s Link Shortener Works
Previously, whenever users shared a web page from Google Search or the Discover feed in the Google app, the URL was automatically condensed into a share.google.com/abcxyz format. While this made links more concise, it often obscured the destination website, raising concerns about link clarity and privacy among tech-savvy users.
A Simple Toggle for Original URLs
With the latest update, users can now disable the default URL shortener. By opening the Google app, tapping the profile avatar, and navigating to ‘Other settings’, you’ll discover the new “Shorten links to web pages” toggle. When this option is switched off, the share button in Chrome Custom Tabs will provide the original web address instead of a shortened link, greatly benefiting those sharing content for research, collaboration, or transparency purposes. However, it’s worth noting that links shared directly from the Discover feed without opening them first are still shortened using the search.app format, which appears to be a pending issue.
Feature Availability and Market Impact
This customizable setting is now rolling out on both the stable (v16.23) and beta versions of the Google app for Android, highlighting Google’s commitment to enhanced user experience and privacy control in mobile search ecosystems. By offering this choice, Google aligns itself with user demands for greater personalization and data clarity, reinforcing its relevance in the competitive digital information market.
Source: 9to5google
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