EU Commission mandates Google share data with competitors

Brussels - On April 16, 2026, the European Commission communicated its preliminary findings to Google, detailing proposed measures to ensure compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The core of these proposed interventions centers on Google's obligation to share search engine data with third-party providers. This directive is designed to foster a more competitive digital landscape, specifically targeting the dominance of large online platforms, or 'gatekeepers,' as defined by the DMA.

The preliminary findings stipulate that Google must facilitate access to various categories of search data for competing search engines. This includes, but is not limited to, ranking data, query data, click data, and view data. The requirement emphasizes that such access must be granted under conditions that are fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND). This principle aims to prevent Google from leveraging its market position to impede the growth or operational efficiency of smaller search engine competitors.

Implications for market competition and digital gatekeepers

The Digital Markets Act, which became fully applicable recently, designates certain large online platforms as gatekeepers based on their significant market influence. The Commission's action against Google underscores its commitment to enforcing the DMA's provisions, which are designed to create a level playing field in the digital economy. By mandating data sharing, the Commission seeks to mitigate information asymmetries that currently disadvantage emergent and existing smaller search engine providers. This regulatory intervention is expected to enhance competition within the search engine market by enabling third parties to improve their algorithms and service offerings based on more comprehensive data.

The proposed measures are not merely punitive but are intended to establish a structural change in how market-dominant platforms interact with their ecosystems. The Commission's ongoing dialogue with Google will determine the final framework for data sharing, with a focus on ensuring technical feasibility and adherence to data protection standards. The ultimate goal is to promote innovation and provide consumers with a broader array of choices, free from the constraints imposed by concentrated market power.

Next steps in regulatory compliance

Google now has the opportunity to respond to the Commission's preliminary findings. This period of engagement allows the company to present its arguments and propose alternative compliance mechanisms, should it deem them appropriate. The Commission will then evaluate these responses before issuing a definitive decision. The outcome of this process will set a precedent for how the DMA is enforced across various digital services and for other designated gatekeepers. Compliance with these measures is critical for Google, as non-compliance could lead to substantial fines, potentially up to 10% of its global annual turnover, or 20% for repeat infringements.

The Commission's proactive stance underscores its intent to ensure that digital markets remain open and contestable, preventing the entrenchment of monopolies through restrictive data practices. This regulatory push is a clear signal to all gatekeepers that their operations will be subject to stringent oversight to safeguard market fairness and consumer welfare.

Conclusion: enhancing digital market fairness

The European Commission's proposed data sharing measures for Google represent a significant regulatory step to enhance competition in the search engine market. By demanding fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory access to search data, the Commission aims to level the playing field for third-party providers and promote a more dynamic digital economy. Google's response to these preliminary findings will be crucial in shaping the definitive compliance framework and influencing future DMA enforcement actions.