Google Challenges EU Orders Over AI and Search Competition
Google has taken legal action against two European Union orders that would require the company to make parts of its services and data more accessible to competitors.The company has filed appeals with the General Court of the European Union, challenging measures introduced under the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA). One order concerns access to parts of Google's Android ecosystem for rival AI assistants, while another involves providing certain Google Search data to competing search engines.
Under the Digital Markets Act, the European Commission has introduced measures intended to increase competition between major technology platforms and other digital services.
In Google's case, the disputed requirements include making certain Android capabilities available to rival AI assistants and sharing specific Search data with competing search engines under the conditions set by the EU.
The Search-related requirement concerns data such as search queries, rankings, clicks and views, with personal information subject to anonymisation requirements.
Google argues that the requirements could create privacy and security risks for users.
According to Reuters, Google says that providing access to certain Search information could potentially expose sensitive user data if adequate safeguards are not maintained. The company has also raised concerns about the security implications of opening parts of Android to competing AI services.
Google is asking the EU court to review the Commission's decisions and has argued that complying with the requirements could cause lasting harm to European users.
EU regulators maintain that safeguards are included in the measures to protect user privacy and device security.
The requirements are part of the broader Digital Markets Act framework, which aims to make digital markets more competitive by placing additional obligations on large technology platforms designated as gatekeepers.
The EU's approach includes measures related to interoperability, data access and user choice. Google has previously said that some DMA requirements involve difficult trade-offs and has raised concerns about how they could affect its products and users.
The dispute comes as AI assistants and AI-powered search services increasingly compete with traditional search engines and digital platforms.
If the EU requirements remain in place, rival AI companies could gain access to parts of Google's Android ecosystem, while competing search engines could receive access to certain Search data under the required safeguards.
For Google, the case could influence how its Android and Search businesses interact with competing AI and search products across Europe.
Google's appeals will now be considered by the General Court of the European Union.
The legal challenge adds another major chapter to Google's ongoing regulatory relationship with the European Commission. The outcome could affect how Google provides access to its services and data to competitors operating in the European market.
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