EU Orders Google to Share Search Data Under Digital Markets Act

The European Union's 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 privacy-focused alternatives.

Google must provide equal access to features on its Android devices by January 2027. Competitors of AI services will have the ability to compete with Google's Gemini service. The EU Commission has clarified how Google must give third parties access to data and features needed to improve their services.

The ruling also focuses on ensuring that users can activate their preferred AI assistant via voice commands, similar to the 'Hey Google' command. This change is expected to begin in July 2027. Users will have an option to use third-party AI assistants to perform actions in apps on their behalf.