European Union Orders Google to Share Android and Search Data with Rivals Under New Antitrust Rules
The European Union has mandated that Google provide comparable access to Android operating system features and Google Search data for competing AI assistants and search engines, stemming from the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This ruling requires Google to alter its operational structure to allow rivals greater access to key components of its platforms. The directive, which mandates increased interoperability, gives users the ability to choose deeply integrated system assistants from competitors, rather than being restricted to Google's own services. Furthermore, competing search engines must gain access to data historically kept by Google Search. European Commission executive vice president for tech sovereignty, security, and democracy Henna Virkkunen stated the goal is to support market diversity. However, Google’s president of global affairs Kent Walker cautioned that the measures risk compromising vital user privacy and security guardrails. Google has until January 2027 to start sharing search data and July 2027 to implement Android changes. The ruling effectively forces a restructuring of how market-leading tech firms operate under strict regulatory oversight.