EU proposes measures requiring Google to share search data with rivals

The European Commission on Thursday set out proposed measures that would require Google to give third-party search engines access to key search data under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), in a move aimed at boosting competition in online search.

In a statement, the commission said it had sent Google preliminary findings outlining measures it believes are needed for the company to comply with the bloc’s digital rules.

Under those proposed measures, Google should allow third-party search engines to access search data, including ranking, query, click, and view data, on fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory terms.

The commission said the objective is to enable rival online search engines to improve and optimize their services and better challenge Google Search’s market position. It added that the issue also covers the eligibility of artificial intelligence chatbots with search functionalities to receive such data.

According to the statement, the proposed measures address the scope of the search data Google would have to share, the means and frequency of sharing, safeguards to ensure anonymization of personal data, parameters for setting fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory prices, and the processes governing access to the data.

The commission said interested parties would be able to comment through a public consultation opening on Friday, April 17. It is expected to conclude the specification proceedings within six months of their opening in January.

The case is part of specification proceedings launched by the commission in January to help Google comply with the DMA, which requires the company to grant third-party online search engine providers access to anonymized ranking, query, click, and view data held by Google Search on fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory terms.

Under the DMA, large online platforms designated as gatekeepers face strict obligations designed to ensure fairer and more contestable digital markets. Companies found in breach of the rules can be fined up to 10% of their worldwide annual turnover.