Google Warns EU That Mandatory Search Data Sharing Threatens Privacy

Context The European Commission is preparing rules under the Digital Markets Act that would require dominant platforms to give rivals access to search‑engine data such as queries, clicks and rankings. The aim is to boost competition and expand user choice. Google has labeled the proposal regulatory overreach and warned that anonymised data could still be traced back to individuals.

Key Facts - A senior Google scientist presented internal test results showing that the company’s own anonymisation techniques failed to hide user identities; a “red team” re‑identified subjects within minutes. - The EU can fine non‑compliant firms up to 10 % of global annual revenue, a penalty that could reach billions for a company of Google’s size. - Google announced it will cooperate with EU antitrust officials to design stronger privacy safeguards while still meeting competition requirements.

What It Means If the EU proceeds, Google may have to hand over detailed search‑engine metrics to competitors. The company argues that even stripped‑down data can be reverse‑engineered, risking exposure of personal searches and browsing habits. Such a breach could erode user trust and trigger regulatory scrutiny beyond the Digital Markets Act.

Google’s willingness to collaborate suggests a negotiated path: tighter data‑handling protocols, possibly including differential privacy (adding statistical noise to protect individuals) or stricter access controls. Regulators will weigh these proposals against the Act’s goal of curbing market dominance.

The deadline for finalising the rules is July 27. Watch for the EU’s decision and any follow‑up framework that could reshape data sharing across Europe’s digital markets.