EU Commission Against Google: Will Big G Have to Share Search Data with Rivals?
The European Commission has sent preliminary results to Alphabet regarding the proposed measures to ensure full compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The focus of the regulatory intervention is on the sharing of data generated by the Mountain View search engine with third parties, a move aimed at dismantling the competitive advantage that Google has accrued over the decades. According to Brussels' guidelines, Google will have to grant rival search engines access to metrics such as ranking data, queries, clicks, and views, ensuring fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory conditions.
The objective of the European executive is to allow the so-called "data beneficiaries" to optimize their services, providing a real alternative to Google Search and promoting market contestability. The Commission's proposal explicitly extends the audience of beneficiaries to AI-based chatbots that integrate search functionalities. This inclusion reflects the technological evolution of the sector, where conversational interfaces are becoming a critical access point for retrieving information online.
The DMA Intensifies for Google Search
The measures outlined in the document specify the granular scope of data that Google will be required to share. This is not only about superficial information but also detailed logs that allow for the understanding of user behavior and the effectiveness of proposed results. The sharing framework covers the means and frequency with which Google must transfer such information packets, in addition to defining governance processes that will regulate beneficiaries' access.
A central point of the proposal concerns user protection. The Commission has foreseen stringent measures to ensure the anonymization of personal data prior to its release, balancing the need for market openness with the right to privacy. Concurrently, the regulator will establish parameters for pricing data access. Such costs must adhere to the FRAND principle (Fair, Reasonable, and Non-Discriminatory), preventing Google from using economic barriers to discourage smaller competitors or emerging startups in the AI field.
Alphabet has been under observation since 2023, when the Commission designated its core services (including Google Play, Maps, YouTube, Chrome, and Android) as core platform services. Being considered a "gatekeeper," Google is subject to stringent obligations to prevent the creation of bottlenecks in the digital economy that could limit businesses' access to end consumers. Stakeholders have until May 1st to submit their comments through a public consultation. The feedback collected, along with Google’s rebuttals, will be analyzed to refine the final measures. The Commission aims to issue a binding decision by July 27th: until then, the regulator retains the authority to initiate further non-compliance proceedings should Alphabet fail to meet existing obligations.