EU Proposes Forcing Google to Share Search Data Under DMA

The European Commission published preliminary measures on April 16 requiring Google to share anonymised search data with rival search engines and AI services under the Digital Markets Act. The proposal follows January 2026 proceedings to define Google's compliance obligations after Alphabet was designated a DMA gatekeeper in September 2023. A final, binding decision is expected by July 27, 2026, with public feedback accepted until May 1. Under the proposed terms, Google would share user queries, clicks, rankings, and search results page data with eligible third parties operating in the European Economic Area, including AI chatbots with search functionality. Access would flow through APIs at the same frequency Google uses the data internally, with a five-year retention requirement. Pricing is capped at incremental cost plus a reasonable return, limiting Google's ability to price out smaller competitors. The Commission's core argument is that exclusive control over search data gives Google a structural advantage that compounds as search and AI converge. Privacy safeguards include IP address removal, restrictions on rare or sensitive queries, and audit obligations on data recipients. Google is resisting, with senior competition counsel Clare Kelly warning that the privacy protections are "dangerously ineffective." Non-compliance carries DMA fines of up to 10% of global annual revenue. The feedback window and July deadline make this a live regulatory pressure point for Alphabet investors and competitors building on search or AI infrastructure.