The European Commission is launching a new offensive against the tech giant, proposing a mandate that could fundamentally alter the landscape of the internet. In an effort to challenge Google's dominance, the Commission has suggested that the company must share its proprietary search data with third-party competitors.

This proposal aims to level the playing field by providing rivals with access to critical information that has historically been kept behind Google's closed doors.

Breaking the Monopoly on Search Data

The European Commission’s proposal specifically targets "ranking, query, click and view data." According to the Commission, this information should be made available to "data beneficiaries"—third-party search engines—on fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory terms.

The ultimate goal is to allow these smaller players to optimize their own services, providing them with a fighting chance to contest Google's massive market share. This move is part of a broader effort to enforce the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which began rolling out across the European Union in late 2022.

The DMA aims to regulate "gatekeepers," which include:

  • Online search engines
  • App stores
  • Messenger services
  • Other core digital platforms

Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, emphasized the importance of this move, stating that data is a vital input for developing new services, including AI. She warned that the Commission will not allow practices that risk closing markets or limiting consumer choice.

Google Resists Data Sharing Proposals

This isn't the first time the tech giant has faced pressure to open its books. The company has been fighting similar battles across the Atlantic:

  • 2024 Antitrust Ruling: A US judge ruled that Google violated antitrust laws, leading to various proposed remedies.
  • September 2025 DOJ Order: The US Department of Justice ordered Google to make specific search index and user-interaction data available to potential rivals.
  • Legal Appeals: In January of this year, Google requested a delay in sharing such data while appealing previous rulings.

Google has been vocal about its opposition. Lee-Anne Mulholland, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs at Google, argued that mandatory data sharing could risk user privacy and inadvertently stifle the very innovation that keeps the tech sector moving forward.

What Happens Next?

The timeline for this regulatory showdown is already set. Both Google and other interested parties have until May 1 to submit their formal views on the European Commission's proposal.

Once all feedback has been processed, the Commission will issue a final, binding decision. If the proposal is upheld, Google will be required to adopt the new measures by July 27. Whether this forces Google off its search throne or simply serves as a minor regulatory hurdle remains to be seen.