EU Orders Google to Share Search Data With Rivals
- The European Commission issued preliminary findings on April 16, 2026, proposing that Google share its search engine data with third-party competitors to comply with the Digital Markets Act...
- Under the proposed requirements, Google would be obligated to provide access to specific types of search data, including ranking, query, click, and view data.
- The European Commission has identified a specific group of data beneficiaries who would be eligible to receive this information.
The European Commission issued preliminary findings on April 16, 2026, proposing that Google share its search engine data with third-party competitors to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The measures aim to reduce the dominance of the U.S. Technology company by allowing rival search services to optimize their own offerings and contest Google Search’s market position.
Under the proposed requirements, Google would be obligated to provide access to specific types of search data, including ranking, query, click, and view data. This access must be granted on terms that are fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory.
Scope of Data Sharing and Eligibility
The European Commission has identified a specific group of data beneficiaries
who would be eligible to receive this information. This group includes third-party online search engines as well as artificial intelligence chatbots that possess search functionalities.
The proposed measures sent to Alphabet Inc.’s Google outline several key regulatory areas to ensure the effectiveness of the data sharing:
- The specific scope of the search data Google is required to share.
- The methods and frequency by which the data must be transmitted to beneficiaries.
- The parameters for establishing fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory pricing for the data.
- The processes that will govern how beneficiaries access the search data.
- Required measures to ensure the anonymization of personal data.
Regulatory Background and Timeline
This development follows an investigation opened by Brussels in January 2026 regarding Google’s obligation to provide third-party providers with access to anonymized search engine data. The European Union is seeking to curb the power of major American technology firms through the enforcement of the DMA.
The European Commission has invited interested parties to provide comments on these proposed measures through a public consultation process.
A final decision regarding the measures is expected in late July 2026.