EU orders Google to share search data, open Android to AI rivals

The European Commission on Wednesday adopted binding measures requiring Alphabet's ↗ 0.37% Google to share anonymized search data with rival AI companies and competing search engines, and to open its Android operating system to third-party AI services, in a landmark enforcement action under the Digital Markets Act.

What the Decisions Require

The two decisions, which conclude specification proceedings opened on January 27, compel Google to grant competitors access to the same search ranking, query, click, and view data it uses internally to optimize its own services. AI chatbots with search functionalities, including those from OpenAI, are explicitly eligible as "data beneficiaries" under the measures.digital-markets-act.europa+3

On the Android side, the Commission is requiring Google to provide rival AI developers with access to key system-level features currently reserved for its own Gemini assistant, including voice activation, contextual data, and the ability to interact with other applications on users' devices. The measures are designed to ensure competing AI services can "effectively interact" with Android apps — sending emails, placing orders, and sharing content on equal footing with Google's own offerings.wsj+2

Google's Pushback and Privacy Concerns

Google has pushed back against the requirements, arguing they could compromise user privacy and security. In June, the company warned that the EU's plans to weaken its monopoly could expose user data, pointing to risks associated with sharing granular search information and granting third-party services real-time access to screen content and device hardware.arstechnica+1

The R Street Institute, a U.S. policy think tank, described the measures as creating conditions where "real-time screen capture and overlay execution would become standard, available to any app provider," raising questions about cybersecurity implications.rstreet

Broader Enforcement Pressure

The decisions land amid intensifying EU pressure on Google. On July 2, Europe's highest court upheld a €4.1 billion antitrust fine against Google over its Android practices, dismissing the company's final appeal after eight years of litigation. Separately, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday that Brussels is preparing fresh DMA fines against Google amounting to hundreds of millions of euros over allegations the company favors its own services in search results. If Google fails to comply with the new binding measures, it faces penalties of up to 10 percent of its global annual revenue.thurrott+4