<img src="https://bitcoinmagazine.com/.image/c_fit%2Ch_800%2Cw_1200/MjA1MzM2ODc5NDY4MzkwMzU2/google-bitcoin.jpg” />
In a significant move, Google has started indexing bitcoin blockchain data in its search engine results. Users can now search for bitcoin addresses and view transaction details directly in Google searches.
NEW: Google has recently started indexing bitcoin?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#bitcoin data in your search engine
Great development pic.twitter.com/hIAJfLkYXh
– bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) March 28, 2024
This integration comes after years of Google's rocky relationship with bitcoin. The tech giant banned bitcoin-related ads in 2018 before reversing course in January 2024 and allowing bitcoin ETF ads after its approval earlier this year. The policy change signaled Google's warm stance.
Now, displaying bitcoin data in search results greatly expands public access to on-chain activity. With Google processing more than 3.5 billion searches daily, basic bitcoin blockchain data is now conveniently available alongside standard web results.
Google currently allows three address formats: P2PKH, P2SH, and Bech32. When searching for any of these public bitcoin addresses, users will see the current balance, its last update, and the balance as of the last transaction.
The move is significant given Google's vast global user base. Widespread bitcoin adoption depends in part on accessible tools to explore and understand the bitcoin blockchain, and Google search democratizes this ability to some extent.
For now, Bitcoiners applaud Google for the incremental integration. By presenting primary data alongside standard results, Google has opened the door to broader on-chain literacy. If adoption continues to grow, more comprehensive indexing may follow closely behind.
