Google has recently enhanced its search features to enable users to search for crypto wallet balances across various blockchains, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Avalanche, Optimism, Polygon, and Fantom. By entering a wallet address, users can now view the token balance categorized by the network and the timestamp of the last update.
This expansion follows Google’s earlier introduction of Ethereum Name Service (ENS) domain search results, enabling users to check wallet balances using readable domain names such as “vitalik.eth” for Ethereum wallet addresses.
Google Expands Crypto Search Features to Include Bitcoin, Arbitrum, Avalanche, Optimism, Polygon, and Fantom Wallet Balances
Google has been steadily expanding its crypto-related features since introducing Ethereum wallet balance searches last year. In May 2023, Google integrated a feature that enables specific Ethereum wallet addresses to have their Ether (ETH) balances tracked directly within the Google search engine, eliminating the need to visit platforms like Etherscan.
This expansion has been facilitated by the Ethereum Name Service (ENS), which offers human-readable domains like example.eth that can be linked to Ethereum wallets. Users can now search for an ENS domain in Google’s search results, and Google will display the wallet balance associated with the blockchain address linked to that domain, along with the address itself. This information is sourced from Etherscan and reflects the latest state as of the last external transaction.
In addition to Ethereum, Google has extended its features to allow users to search wallet balances across multiple blockchains, including Bitcoin, Arbitrum, Avalanche, Optimism, Polygon, and Fantom. Search results show the token balance by network along with the last updated time.
The inclusion of wallet searches represents a shift in Google’s stance towards cryptocurrencies. While the tech giant previously prohibited Bitcoin-related advertisements in 2018, it has recently reversed this policy, allowing Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) advertisements following their approval in January. Notable ETF products from asset managers now appear in search results.
JUST IN: Google integrates #Bitcoin blockchain data into search results (BMag).
Billions of Google users have convenient access to address balances! pic.twitter.com/3UAtCCHRMM
— Simply Bitcoin (@SimplyBitcoinTV) March 28, 2024
Users can search for three Bitcoin address formats—P2PKH, P2SH, and Bech32—to view current balances and recent transaction updates. Integrating Bitcoin data into search results enhances Google’s accessibility to on-chain activity, leveraging its extensive daily search volume. However, it’s worth noting that this service may not be universally available to all users. Some individuals have reported that the feature does not consistently appear in search results.
Also, some privacy-centric Bitcoin supporters have raised concerns about centralized data aggregation and its potential impact on user privacy, highlighting a broader discussion around the balance between convenience and privacy in the crypto space.
Google Updates Crypto Ad Policy to Include Promotions for Approved Bitcoin ETFs and Cryptocurrency Coin Trust Products
Google recently adopted a new crypto ad policy encompassing promotions for recently approved Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
According to Google, US marketers can now advertise Cryptocurrency Coin Trust products. This update emphasizes “financial products that allow investors to trade shares in trusts holding large pools of digital currency.”
This policy’s timing aligns closely with the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs on January 10. Spot Bitcoin ETFs enable investors to trade shares in a fund that holds Bitcoin as the underlying asset rather than directly purchasing Bitcoin itself.
Google’s advertising network is the largest in the world, with a turnover of over $224 billion in advertising. Following this update, the community expects an influx of investors, providing more accessible investment options for the general public.
This policy change significantly shifts Google’s previous stance on crypto-related ads. In March 2018, Google implemented a complete ban on crypto-related ads, including ads for crypto exchanges, ICO promotions, and crypto trading advice. This ban applied globally to all accounts advertising these financial products, following a similar ad ban by social media giant Facebook.
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