Google appeals against EU order to share data

Google has appealed an EU decision mandating the sharing of data with rival search engines and opening up its Android system to other artificial intelligence services, citing privacy concerns. The order, issued by the EU's Digital Markets Act in July, seeks to promote competition and give users more choices. Google's senior director for competition, Oliver Bethell, expressed dismay over the decision, stating that it would force Google to share users' private search history without proper anonymization and undermine Android's security features.

The European Commission had previously informed Google that it must begin sharing search data starting January 2027 to address market imbalances, while also planning changes to Android in July to foster alternative AI services like Google's Gemini. However, Google argues that its Android system is already open and interoperable, and the EU's demand forces it to expose sensitive search data to other companies without guaranteed safeguards or user consent.

Bethell emphasized that sharing personal queries, such as medical questions or intimate relationships, without adequate protection would pose a significant threat to user privacy. The appeal was lodged with the Court of Justice of the EU in Luxembourg.