EU Orders Google to Share Anonymized Search Data with Rival Engines

The European Union's Digital Markets Act has ordered Google to share anonymized search data with rival search engines, starting from January 2027. This move aims to create a more level playing field for third-party search services, including privacy-focused alternatives.

Under the new rules, competitors of Google's AI services will have equal access to features on Google's Android devices. This means that companies like Gemini, an AI service, can compete with Google's offerings by leveraging the same data and features available to Google.

The EU Commission has outlined a formula for calculating the price of shared data, which it considers 'fair'. It also emphasizes robust safeguards to ensure user privacy, device integrity, and security are protected. Google will be allowed to evaluate whether sharing data with third parties poses cybersecurity risks before doing so.