EU puts Google’s AI and search data under DMA spotlight

The European Commission has formally opened new proceedings to spell out how Google must share key Android features and Google Search data with rivals under the Digital Markets Act.

The Commission on Tuesday opened two formal “specification proceedings” to guide how Google must comply with key DMA obligations, effectively turning regulatory dialogue into a structured process with defined outcomes.

Why we care. The European Commission is escalating its oversight of Google under the Digital Markets Act, with moves that could reshape competition in mobile AI and search — and limit how much advantage Google can extract from its own platforms. If Google is required to share search data and Android AI capabilities more broadly, it could accelerate competition from alternative search engines and AI assistants, potentially fragmenting reach and measurement.

Over time, that may affect where advertisers spend, how much inventory is available, and how dependent campaigns are on Google-owned platforms.

First focus — Android and AI interoperability. Regulators are examining how Google must give third-party developers free and effective access to Android hardware and software features used by Google’s own AI services, including Gemini.

• The goal is to ensure rival AI providers can integrate just as deeply into Android devices as Google’s first-party tools.

Second focus — search data sharing. The Commission is also moving to define how Google should share anonymised search ranking, query, click and view data with competing search engines on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms.

• That includes clarifying what data is shared, how it’s anonymised, who qualifies for access, and whether AI chatbot providers can tap into the dataset.

Between the lines. This isn’t just about compliance checklists. The Commission is signaling that AI services are now squarely in scope of DMA enforcement, especially where platform control over data and device features could tilt fast-growing markets before competitors have a chance to scale.

What’s next: Within three months, the Commission will send Google its preliminary findings and proposed measures. The full proceedings are set to conclude within six months, with non-confidential summaries published so third parties can weigh in.

The backdrop. Google has been required to comply with DMA obligations since March 2024, after being designated a gatekeeper across services including Search, Android, Chrome, YouTube, Maps, Shopping and online ads.

Bottom line. The EU is moving from theory to execution on the DMA — and Google’s handling of AI features and search data is becoming an early test of how aggressively regulators will shape competition in the next phase of the digital economy.