EU Proposes Forcing Google to Share Search Data with Rivals Under DMA

The European Commission has proposed new measures to compel Google to share its search engine data with competitors, ensuring compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The proposal requires Google to grant rivals access to critical data points—including ranking, query, click, and view data—on fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory terms.

"Data is a key input for online search and for developing new services, including AI," said Teresa Ribera, the Commission's Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition. "Access to this data should not be restricted in ways that could harm competition. In fast-moving markets, small changes can quickly have a big impact. We will not allow practices that risk closing markets or limiting choice."

European regulators have been challenging Google's dominant market position under the DMA for years. In March 2024, Google was required to comply with the DMA, implementing some changes. However, by March 2025, the Commission issued preliminary charges against Google, alleging that its search and Play Store services had failed to meet market competition obligations. Google proposed adjustments to search result displays, but regulators sought more substantial reforms.

The proposed measures are not final. The EC is accepting public comments on the draft until May 1, 2025, and Google’s legal team is expected to challenge the proposal vigorously. A final decision is due by July 27, 2025, with ongoing negotiations anticipated until then.

Update, April 17, 2026, 11:36 AM ET: Google responded to the proposal, with Clare Kelly, Senior Competition Counsel, stating:

"Hundreds of millions of Europeans trust Google with their most sensitive searches — including private questions about their health, family, and finances — and the Commission’s proposal would force us to hand this data over to third parties, with dangerously ineffective privacy protections. We will continue to vigorously defend against this overreach, which far exceeds the DMA’s original mandate and jeopardizes people’s privacy and security."