EU Commission Orders Google to Open Search Data Access to Competitors and AI Services

Gate News message, April 16 — The European Commission has issued preliminary findings under the Digital Markets Act, requiring Google to grant competing search engines and AI services access to the search data it collects, including rankings, user queries, clicks, and page views. The company must provide this access on fair, reasonable, and consistent terms to improve competition in the search market.

The proposal covers six areas: eligibility criteria for data recipients (including AI chatbots), data scope, delivery methods and frequency, personal data privacy protections, pricing, and access management rules. Teresa Ribiera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, stated: “Data is a key input for online search and for developing new services, including AI. Access to this data should not be restricted in ways that could harm competition.” Google has formally opposed the measures, with senior competition counsel Clare Kelly arguing the company would be forced to share sensitive user data with inadequate privacy safeguards.

The case carries substantial stakes: Google faces potential fines of up to 10% of Alphabet’s annual global revenue, which could exceed $35 billion. A public consultation period runs from April 17 to May 1, 2026, with the Commission expected to issue a final binding ruling by July 27, 2026.