Google has challenged a European Union ruling requiring the technology giant to share certain search data with competing search engines and provide rival artificial intelligence (AI) services with access to its Android system, citing concerns over user privacy and security.
The European Commission issued the directive in July under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to promote competition among major technology platforms and provide users with greater choice.
Under the ruling, Google is required to begin sharing search data with competitors from January 2027 as part of measures intended to “rebalance the competitive landscape.”
Google has raised objections to the requirement, arguing that it could expose sensitive information from users’ searches without adequate anonymization, user awareness, or consent.
“We are contesting rulings that will require us to disclose individuals’ private search records without adequate anonymization and compromise essential security measures on Android,” said Oliver Bethell, Senior Director for Competition at Google.
The EU’s ruling also includes changes to Android that are scheduled to take effect in July 2027. The European Commission expects the measures to encourage the development of alternative AI services that can compete with Google’s offerings, including its Gemini platform.
Also Read: VW, Gotion Accelerate Battery Production as European EV Demand Rises
Google, however, maintains that Android is already designed to be open and interoperable. The company has argued that forcing it to provide competitors with access to certain Android capabilities could affect security protections built into the operating system.
The company also emphasized the sensitive nature of information people enter into its search engine.
Also Read: Russia-Europe Balancing Act Takes Center Stage Ahead of Modi's Visits
“Individuals turn to Search for their most intimate inquiries – ranging from health concerns to personal relationships – and requiring us to disclose these private questions without sufficient protections would inflict lasting damage on user privacy,” Bethell said.
Also Read: EU Urges Countries to Curb Energy Demand as Gas Prices Face Squeeze
The dispute highlights the broader regulatory tension between the EU’s efforts to strengthen digital competition and technology companies’ concerns over privacy, security, and control of their platforms.