EU moves to force Google to share search data with rivals under Digital Markets Act

Summary

The European Commission has issued preliminary findings outlining how Google should comply with data-sharing obligations under the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

The measures focus on Article 6 provisions aimed at improving competition in search and related digital services, including access to certain performance and ranking data.

A final decision is expected after stakeholder consultation, with enforcement timelines likely later in 2026.

BRUSSELS, April 16, 2026 — The European Commission has taken another step in enforcing the Digital Markets Act, publishing preliminary findings that clarify how Google must provide greater data access to rivals in the search ecosystem.

The move is part of ongoing “specification proceedings,” which are designed to translate broad DMA obligations into practical, enforceable requirements for designated “gatekeepers” like Google.

Feeding the competitive ecosystem

The Commission’s proposal focuses on improving transparency and access to key performance data that underpins search rankings and user engagement. While not mandating unrestricted access to Google’s full search index, the measures aim to ensure that competing services can better understand how search results perform.

This could include aggregated and anonymized data related to rankings, click behavior, and visibility metrics, shared through structured technical interfaces. The intent is to lower barriers for alternative search engines and emerging AI-driven services.

Scope, safeguards, and implementation

The preliminary framework outlines three core pillars:

• Scope: Access to selected datasets relevant to search performance and ranking signals
• Method: Standardized technical mechanisms (such as APIs) for data sharing
• Safeguards: Strict anonymization and compliance with EU privacy laws, including General Data Protection Regulation

The Commission has emphasized that any data sharing must fully protect user privacy and avoid exposing personally identifiable information.

The road to a final decision

Stakeholders have been invited to provide feedback on the proposed measures during an ongoing consultation process. A final decision will follow after this review, setting out binding compliance requirements and timelines.

Failure to comply with DMA obligations can result in significant penalties—up to 10% of global annual turnover—and, in repeated cases, additional structural remedies.

Google has previously argued that extensive data-sharing requirements must be balanced against user privacy, security, and the protection of proprietary systems.

Why this matters

Opening competition: The DMA is designed to reduce structural advantages held by dominant platforms and enable smaller competitors to improve their services.

AI implications: Greater access to performance data could help developers refine AI-driven search and discovery tools, though access remains limited and regulated.

Privacy balance: The EU is attempting to expand competition while maintaining strict data protection standards, creating a complex regulatory balance.

FAQs

Q1. Is Google being fined right now?

No. These are preliminary findings under the DMA’s compliance process. Penalties would apply only if final obligations are not met.

Q2. Will competitors get full access to Google’s search data?

No. Access is expected to be limited, structured, and anonymized—not a full release of Google’s search index or raw data.

Q3. How could this affect users?

Over time, it may improve the quality and competitiveness of alternative search services within the EU.