Google should allow third party search engines to access search data, such as ranking, query, click and view data, the EU Commission has said in preliminary findings.
The Commission findings outline proposed measures for Google to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act, the EU’s Internet rules. Under these proposed measures, Google should allow search engine rivals to access search data on ‘fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms’.
“Data is a key input for online search and for developing new services, including AI”, said EC executive vice-president Teresa Ribera: “Access to this data should not be restricted in ways that could harm competition.”
The aim of the measures is to allow third party online search engines, or ‘data beneficiaries’, to optimise their search services and contest Google Search’s position.
The proposed measures cover the following matters:
- The eligibility of data beneficiaries to receive search data, including that of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots with search functionalities;
- The scope of the search data that Google must share;
- The means and frequency by which Google must share search data;
- Measures to ensure the anonymisation of personal data;
- Parameters for setting fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory prices for search data; and
- Processes governing beneficiaries’ access to search data.
To ensure that the proposed measures are effective, the Commission is now inviting interested parties to comment on them through a public consultation.
Interested parties have until 1 May to submit their views on the proposed measures. The non-confidential summary of the preliminary findings and the proposed measures is available on the consultation page.
The Commission says it will carefully assess the feedback provided by interested parties and by Google. The Commission may use the input to adjust the measures that will be included in the final decision, which will be binding on Google. This final decision must be adopted by 27 July 2026.
