Google Search to Adopt Single Global Domain, Replacing Country-Specific URLs

In a significant shift aimed at simplifying user experience, Google has announced that it will soon unify its Search platform under one single domain — google.com — for users across the globe. Previously, users were directed to country-specific domains such as google.co.uk, google.co.in, or google.fr, based on their location.

These domains were designed to serve localized content tailored to each region. However, Google is now phasing out these country-coded top-level domains (ccTLDs) and will automatically redirect users to the global domain.

No Change in Search Accuracy, Just a Simpler URL

Despite this change in URL structure, Google emphasized that the way Search works will remain unchanged. The search results will still be curated according to users’ physical location, a practice Google has followed since 2017. For instance, a user accessing google.com from Italy will still get Italian-specific results, thanks to real-time location tracking.

“Even if you typed google.com, but you were travelling in Italy, your results would be local to Italy.”

Google explained that this step is primarily about aligning the web address with the user experience, as the actual location has always determined the kind of results shown.

Gradual Rollout in Progress

Google is rolling out this update gradually over the coming months. Users may start noticing automatic redirections from regional domains (e.g., google.ca or google.com.au) to google.com. However, personalized settings like language or region preferences may need to be reconfigured by some users after the switch.

“Users will begin seeing the shift over the next few months.”

Local Laws and Content Will Still Apply

The tech giant also assured users that this domain-level change will not impact its compliance with regional legal requirements or content regulation. The content served will continue to respect local laws and cater to the user's actual location.

“So, even though the URL will now show google.com, you’ll still receive local content and results based on where you are.”

Why This Matters: Unified Experience in the AI Era

Google’s move comes at a time when AI and mobile-first designs are reshaping how users interact with web platforms. The company believes that location-based data now plays a far more crucial role in delivering relevant results than the domain name itself.

“With the growth of mobile and AI-powered tools in Search, the company believes the actual domain name has become less important.”

This update aims to deliver a seamless and unified user experience, regardless of where a person is accessing Google from.

Conclusion

Google’s decision to streamline its Search platform under a single global domain, google.com, marks a pivotal move towards creating a more unified and efficient user experience. While it may seem like a major change, the core functioning of Google Search—delivering location-relevant results—remains unaffected. Since 2017,

Google has already prioritized real-time physical location over domain suffixes for personalizing results, making this shift more of a technical cleanup than a functional overhaul. Users can rest assured that despite seeing google.com in the URL bar, the content they receive will still reflect their geographic preferences and comply with local laws.

Some minor adjustments to language or region settings might be required post-rollout, but the broader goal is simplicity, speed, and seamlessness. As mobile usage and AI-powered tools dominate the digital space, this domain consolidation ensures Google Search remains agile, localized, and globally consistent—delivering the best of both worlds to every user.