Danny Weber
European Commission proposes Google share search queries, clicks, and AI data with rivals under Digital Markets Act to boost competition in online search.
The European Commission is intensifying pressure on Google to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The regulator has sent the company preliminary findings from an investigation, proposing measures aimed at opening up access to search data for third-party services.
Under the proposal, Google must provide other search engines with access to key data, including search queries, ranking results, clicks, and user behavioral information. This access should be granted on fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory terms to ensure fair competition in the market.
Special attention is paid to who can use such data. The list of potential recipients includes not only traditional search engines but also AI-based services, such as chatbots with search functionality. This could significantly shift the balance of power in online search.
The regulator also suggests establishing clear rules for the volume of information shared, data update frequency, and the mechanism for obtaining it. Separately, it emphasizes the need to anonymize user information to meet privacy requirements. The European Commission plans to hold a public discussion on the proposed measures to assess their effectiveness and gather market feedback. Final decisions could have a major impact on the future of search services and competition in the digital sphere.
© B. Naumkin