Google appeals against EU order to share data, open Android to AI rivals

In a move seeking to protect privacy and promote competition, Google has appealed an EU order requiring the tech giant to share search data with other providers and to open its Android operating system to rival AI services. The Brussels-based ruling, issued under the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) in July, aimed to level the playing field for smaller tech companies and empower users with more choices.

However, Google argues that the new requirements would violate user privacy by mandating the sharing of private search data without proper anonymization, consent, or awareness. Oliver Bethell, Google's senior director for competition, expressed concern over the potential harm to user privacy, particularly for sensitive searches such as medical inquiries or personal relationships.

The EU hopes the changes to Android, set to take effect in July next year, will spur the emergence of alternative AI services, like Google's Gemini, but Google maintains that its operating system is already open and interoperable. The appeal was lodged with the Court of Justice of the European Union in Luxembourg.