The European Union has ordered Google to share parts of its search data with competing search engines and make Android more accessible to rival artificial intelligence services under its Digital Markets Act (DMA).
The measures form part of the bloc’s ongoing efforts to increase competition in the digital market and reduce the dominance of major technology companies.
However, Google has warned that the new requirements could create privacy, security and national security concerns.
New rules aim to increase competition
According to the European Commission, Google will be required to begin sharing certain search data with competitors from January 2027.
In addition, Android users across the European Union are expected to benefit from greater freedom to choose AI assistants beginning in July 2027.
The Commission said the changes are designed to encourage competition in search services and AI products, giving consumers more alternatives beyond Google’s own platforms, including Gemini.
One example outlined by EU officials would allow Android users to set their preferred AI assistant to respond to voice commands instead of relying solely on Google’s built-in services.
Google raises privacy concerns
Google strongly criticised the decision, arguing that opening access to search data could expose sensitive user information.
Kent Walker, the company’s President of Global Affairs, said the measures could weaken existing privacy and security protections for millions of European users.
According to Google, AI assistants already have access to Android, while wider data-sharing requirements could expose users’ search information to third-party companies without sufficient safeguards.
EU insists safeguards are in place
European officials rejected Google’s concerns, maintaining that the new framework includes strict privacy protections.
The Commission said all shared search data would be properly anonymised to protect users while promoting fair competition in the digital marketplace.
The legally binding measures stem from a procedure launched earlier this year under the Digital Markets Act, although they are separate from ongoing investigations that could result in financial penalties.
Google still faces possible penalties
The latest directive comes as Google remains under scrutiny in another DMA investigation.
According to reports, the European Union could announce additional sanctions against the company in the coming days if it is found to have breached the bloc’s digital competition rules.
Under the Digital Markets Act, companies found guilty of violations can face fines of up to 10 per cent of their total global annual turnover.
Google has previously received several multi-billion-euro fines from the European Union in competition and antitrust cases over the past decade.