Google Search no longer provides direct URLs in results

Google has implemented a significant change to its search interface, effectively removing the display of direct URLs for search results. Users now see the website name and a favicon, but the underlying destination link is obscured behind a menu interface. This shift marks a departure from the long-standing practice of showing the full web address, which served as a primary indicator of source credibility and destination transparency. Critics and power users argue that this change complicates the ability to quickly verify the origin of information before clicking, potentially increasing the risk of interacting with low-quality or malicious sites. While Google suggests this update aims to simplify the visual layout for mobile and desktop users, it raises concerns regarding user agency and the transparency of the search ecosystem. The move is seen by many as a step toward further centralizing the browsing experience within Google's controlled interface.