The European Commission has officially opened a new process to clarify how Google must share important Android features and Google Search data with competitors under the Digital Markets Act.
The Commission on Tuesday opened two formal “clarification procedures” to guide Google’s compliance with key DMA obligations, effectively turning the regulatory dialogue into a structured process with defined outcomes.
Why do we care. The European Commission is increasing its oversight of Google under the Digital Markets Act, with measures that could halt competition in mobile AI and search — and limit how much profit Google can extract from its platforms. If Google is required to share search data and Android AI capabilities more widely, it could accelerate competition from other search engines and AI assistants, which could divide access and scale.
Over time, that could affect where advertisers spend, how much is available, and how dependent campaigns are on Google-owned platforms.
The first focus – the interaction of Android with AI. Regulators are examining how Google should give third-party developers free and effective access to Android hardware and software features used by Google’s AI services, including Gemini.
- The goal is to ensure that rival AI providers can integrate as deeply into Android devices as Google’s first-party tools.
The second focus — search data sharing. The Commission is also trying to explain how Google should share anonymous search rate, query, click and view data with competing search engines on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms.
- That includes specifying what data is shared, how it can be anonymized, who is eligible for access, and whether AI chat providers can access the dataset.
Between the lines. This is not just about compliance lists. The commission indicates that AI services are now at a limited rate of DMA use, especially where the platform’s control over data and device features may 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 trial will be completed within six months, with non-confidential summaries published for third parties to weigh in on.
It’s the background. Google has had to comply with the DMA’s obligations since March 2024, after being designated as the guardian of all services including Search, Android, Chrome, YouTube, Maps, Shopping and online ads.
Bottom line. The EU is moving from theory to practice in the DMA – and Google’s handling of AI features and search data is an early test of how aggressive regulators will stifle competition in the next phase of the digital economy.
Search Engine Land is owned by Semrush. We are committed to providing the highest quality of marketing articles. Unless otherwise stated, the content of this page is written by an employee or paid contractor of Semrush Inc.
