EU Orders Google to Share Search Data with Rival Engines

The European Union 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 and promote innovative alternatives. According to the ruling, competitors of Google's AI services, such as Gemini, will have equal access to features on Android devices by January 2027.

Google will be required to anonymize and provide data it uses for its own services to eligible third-party search providers. The company will also need to evaluate whether sharing data with specific parties poses serious cybersecurity and data protection risks before doing so. A formula for calculating the price of shared data has been laid out, which the EU Commission considers 'fair'.

The ruling also addresses interoperability on Android devices, ensuring that users can activate their preferred AI assistant via voice commands. This change is expected to begin in July 2027, allowing users to delegate tasks such as booking a taxi or asking for suggestions in chat apps using third-party AI assistants.