Google Search has quietly ceased showing price charts for Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies. Although users can still access these charts through Google Finance, the change has sparked widespread discussions.
Over the weekend, Twitter users highlighted that searching for Bitcoin's price no longer displays a price chart in Google Search. Stock price searches, however, continue to show charts, raising questions about why cryptocurrency data has been removed.
Remaining Functionalities and Exceptions
Interestingly, not all cryptocurrency-related features have disappeared. For instance, Dogecoin's price chart still appears in searches, while Google’s integration with Ethereum Name Service (ENS) remains functional, allowing users to see ENS address balances. This inconsistency further adds to the mystery surrounding Google’s selective chart removals.
Before the change, Google Search provided users with real-time or near-real-time cryptocurrency price charts. This allowed users to quickly check the value of assets like Bitcoin without needing to access external platforms.
Related reading:Solana and Google Cloud Unveil Gameshift API to Bridge Web2 and Web3 Gaming
Declining Interest in Bitcoin Searches
At the same time, Google Trends data shows that interest in Bitcoin has decreased, hitting a one-year low during the week of October 13-19, 2024. Global search volume for the term dropped to just 27% of its peak earlier this year, recorded between March 3 and 9.
Search interest remains strongest in El Salvador, which became the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021. However, despite its early enthusiasm, the cryptocurrency has not seen widespread adoption there. Nigeria follows closely behind, where Bitcoin is used as a means of capital flight amidst inflation and economic instability.
Related reading:Google Cloud Launches Blockchain RPC Service to Streamline DApp Development
Ethereum Search Interest Also Declining
Ethereum has followed a similar trend, with search interest for the cryptocurrency also declining during the same period. Data from October 13-19 shows search volume at just 19% of its March peak. Unlike Bitcoin, however, Ethereum searches are led by users in Saint Helena, followed by Switzerland and Slovenia.
The removal of cryptocurrency price charts from Google Search, alongside declining global search interest, paints a mixed picture for the crypto market’s public visibility. Without a statement from Google, speculation continues regarding the reasoning behind the change.
Nevertheless, the inconsistency in price chart availability, as seen with Dogecoin, leaves users questioning Google’s approach to cryptocurrency integration.