April 16, 2026, 3:43 p.mApril 16, 2026, 3:43 p.m
According to the European Commission, Google must share more data with its competitors. The Brussels authority presented proposals as to how the US group should proceed according to EU competition rules for online giants.
Google should share data with competitors.Image: AP
The aim is to enable smaller search engines and AI chatbots to challenge Google’s dominant market position, as the EU Commission announced. Specifically, it is about data on search queries, rankings in the results as well as click and usage behavior.
It is said that these should be made available to third parties on fair terms. The competition watchdogs in Brussels also determined what Google had to share.
Internet users should have a real Google alternative
According to the EU Commission, it is also about the authorization of other AI chatbots to access the data of the leading search engine. This is intended to enable competitors to offer users a real alternative to Google searches.
The requirements are based on the Digital Markets Act (DMA), with which the EU wants to limit the power of large online platforms. Google is one of the so-called gatekeepers who are subject to special rules because of their dominant position.
The US group and also competing companies can now make counter-proposals, which Brussels wants to take into account. If an agreement cannot be reached with Google, there could also be a risk of proceedings for DMA violations and the EU could ultimately impose severe penalties. (hkl/sda/awp/dpa)