EU Orders Google to Share Anonymized Search Data

The European Union (EU) Commission has ordered Google to share anonymized search data with rival search engines under the Digital Markets Act. This move aims to create a more level playing field for third-party search services, including those focused on privacy.

The ruling also requires Google to provide better interoperability for companies using the Google Android operating system (OS). By January 2027, competitors of artificial intelligence (AI) services will have equal access to features on Google's Android devices. This includes AI chatbots with search features, which are eligible for shared data.

Google must anonymize and provide the same data it uses for its own services to others. The EU Commission has developed guidelines in collaboration with privacy experts to ensure that the shared data does not pose a risk to user security or data protection.