The European Commission has sent Google preliminary findings under the Digital Markets Act that say how the company should share parts of its search data with rival search engines. The document explains that Google should grant access to ranking data, query data, click data and view data on fair, reasonable and non discriminatory terms.
The intention here is to allow third party online search engines, referred to as data beneficiaries, to improve their own services and compete with Google Search. The proposed measures explain who qualifies to receive the data and state that this may include artificial intelligence chatbots with search functionalities.
The text also lays down the scope of the data that must be shared, the means and frequency of sharing and the processes governing access. It addresses how personal data must be anonymised and explains parameters for setting fair, reasonable and non discriminatory prices for the shared search data.
Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, had said, 鈥淭oday鈥檚 decision sets out the specifications we expect Google to follow to comply with its obligations under the Digital Markets Act. Data is a key input for online search and for developing new services, including AI. Access to this data should not be restricted in ways that could harm competition. In fast-moving markets, small changes can quickly have a big impact. We will not allow practices that risk closing markets or limiting choice. We now invite stakeholders to share their views, so we can ensure the measures are effective in practice and work for the whole search ecosystem.鈥�
Why Is The Consultation Important Here?
The Commission has opened a public consultation to get some feedback from interested parties, who have until 1 May to submit their views. A non confidential summary of the preliminary findings and the proposed measures is available on the consultation page.
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, explained the context for the consultation.
She said: 鈥�Search engines must be able to innovate and keep pace with evolving user needs. Our work to create opportunities in this sector continues and comes at a crucial moment of growing interconnection with AI services. With this public consultation, we want to hear from the market on the most effective ways for Google to share search data with competing online search engine providers, to continue our push for innovation and fair competitiveness.鈥�
Her remarks speak of the sharing of search data in relation to the development of AI services that rely on access to large volumes of query and ranking information. The consultation allows companies, competitors and other stakeholders to comment on eligibility criteria, pricing parameters and technical arrangements before the Commission adopts its final decision.
More from News
- Uber Eats Makes Influencers Central To Its UK Growth Strategy
- It Sounds Ridiculous, So Why Is Allbirds鈥� AI Pivot Actually Working?
- Tanzania Is Dealing With Digital Fraud Through Legislation – What Are The Changes?
- UK Government To Launch 拢500 Million Sovereign AI Unit – What Does This Mean?
- World Quantum Day 2026: Experts Reflect On Industry Developments This Year
- 79% Of UK Workers Fear Losing Their Jobs This Year – And Its Not AI Related
- Scail Launches To Help Regulated SaaS Businesses Navigate The AI 鈥淧erfect Storm鈥�
- X Is Taking A Slightly Different Approach To Managing Click Bait Content – Will It Work?
What Will Happen To Google, Then?
The Commission will assess the feedback received from stakeholders and from Google before deciding whether to adjust the proposed measures. A final decision must be adopted by 27 July 2026 and will be binding on the company.
These proceedings form part of specification cases opened on 27 January this year. They are without prejudice to the Commission鈥檚 powers to adopt a decision finding non compliance with obligations laid down in the Digital Markets Act.
The DMA regulates designated gatekeepers, defined as large digital platforms that act as gateways between business users and consumers. On 6 September 2023, the Commission designated Alphabet鈥檚 services including Google Search, Google Play, Google Maps, YouTube, Android, Chrome, Google Shopping and its online advertising services as core platform services. Google has had to comply with all applicable Digital Markets Act obligations for those services since 7 March in 2024…
Matias Rodsevich, the CEO and Founder of PRLab, says, “In my view, if the EU gets Google to share its data, the biggest turning point will be that Google may stop being the only company learning from the web at full scale. And this is exactly what makes this more than a regulatory fight. It could open the door to more real competition in search and AI discovery, because Google鈥檚 advantage has never been just about size. It comes from years of feedback on rankings, clicks, and user intent that rivals have struggled to match.
“But the ruling would only be the start. As we have seen, these cases are won in headlines and tested in the fine print. Google will likely push for narrow access, stricter conditions, and strong privacy limits. So the real question is whether competitors get data that is actually usable, timely, and affordable. If they do, the market becomes less locked in. If they do not, this will look like a major policy win while changing very little for users.”
