The European Commission has officially proposed that Google be mandated to share anonymized user search data with competing search engines and AI chatbots. This significant move is part of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), aiming to reduce Google’s dominance in Europe.
Details of the Commission’s Proposal
Announced on April 15, 2026, the proposal outlines six compliance areas Google must address. These include criteria for who can receive data, the types of data to be shared, and how often and by what technical means the sharing should occur. The anonymization of data, fair pricing principles, and governance processes for data access are also covered.
Importantly, AI chatbots with search functions, including those that compete with Google’s own AI technologies, are recognized as eligible recipients of this data.
Scope and Protection Measures
The data in question consists of ranking, query, click, and view data, which are crucial in refining search algorithms. Google is expected to provide this information via API, reflecting the last 24 hours of European user activity.
To prevent the re-identification of individuals, the Commission has suggested several technical safeguards. These include generalizing data categories, omitting rare search queries, imposing strict contractual limits on data usage, and removing direct personal identifiers before data is shared.
Concerns and Future Steps
While this initiative is seen as a step towards equitable data access and innovation in AI-powered search, it has drawn criticism. Privacy advocates warn of potential re-identification risks, as rare search terms coupled with geolocation could potentially expose identities. National security experts also express concerns about European search data being accessible to foreign or inadequately vetted platforms.
The Commission has initiated a public consultation, inviting feedback by May 1, 2026. After reviewing the input from stakeholders, including Google, a final decision is expected by July 27, 2026. This move is part of ongoing efforts under the DMA, following Google’s designation as a gatekeeper platform in 2023, with full compliance obligations enforced since March 2024.
Stay updated on this and other tech policy developments by following us on Google News, LinkedIn, and X. Contact us to share your stories.
