Google Faces EU Pressure to Open Up Android Data to Rivals as Gemini Takes Advantage of New API.
The European Commission has launched a probe into Google's compliance with its Digital Markets Act, which aims to ensure that third-party AI services have equal access to Android as Gemini does. The move is part of the EU's efforts to promote competition and innovation in the rapidly evolving AI landscape on smart mobile devices.
As per the proceedings, Google will be required to hand over anonymized ranking, query, click, and view data held by its search engine to rival search engines. This will enable competing companies to optimize their services and offer more viable alternatives to Google Search. According to Henna Virkkunen, executive vice-president for tech sovereignty, security, and democracy at the Commission, "Today's proceedings under the Digital Markets Act will provide guidance to Google to ensure that third-party online search engines and AI providers enjoy the same access to search data and Android operating system as Google's own services."
The EU has set a deadline of six months for Google to comply with these new requirements. If the company fails to meet the Commission's expectations, it may face a formal investigation and penalties, including fines up to 10% of its global annual revenue.
This move comes on the heels of recent investigations into Google's alleged favoritism towards its own services and demotion of commercial content on news websites in search results. The EU has also opened probes into Google's AI practices, including its use of online publishers' material for AI Overviews and AI Mode without proper compensation or opt-out options.
The Commission's goal is to keep the AI market open, unlock competition on the merits, and promote innovation – all aimed at benefiting consumers and businesses. With Gemini now taking advantage of this new API, it appears that Google is facing increased pressure from the EU to level the playing field.
The European Commission has launched a probe into Google's compliance with its Digital Markets Act, which aims to ensure that third-party AI services have equal access to Android as Gemini does. The move is part of the EU's efforts to promote competition and innovation in the rapidly evolving AI landscape on smart mobile devices.
As per the proceedings, Google will be required to hand over anonymized ranking, query, click, and view data held by its search engine to rival search engines. This will enable competing companies to optimize their services and offer more viable alternatives to Google Search. According to Henna Virkkunen, executive vice-president for tech sovereignty, security, and democracy at the Commission, "Today's proceedings under the Digital Markets Act will provide guidance to Google to ensure that third-party online search engines and AI providers enjoy the same access to search data and Android operating system as Google's own services."
The EU has set a deadline of six months for Google to comply with these new requirements. If the company fails to meet the Commission's expectations, it may face a formal investigation and penalties, including fines up to 10% of its global annual revenue.
This move comes on the heels of recent investigations into Google's alleged favoritism towards its own services and demotion of commercial content on news websites in search results. The EU has also opened probes into Google's AI practices, including its use of online publishers' material for AI Overviews and AI Mode without proper compensation or opt-out options.
The Commission's goal is to keep the AI market open, unlock competition on the merits, and promote innovation – all aimed at benefiting consumers and businesses. With Gemini now taking advantage of this new API, it appears that Google is facing increased pressure from the EU to level the playing field.
This is a slippery slope, you know? First, they're saying Google has to share its search data with others... next thing you know, they'll be telling them how to structure their algorithms 
. And what's really going on here? Are we just gonna sit back and let these companies decide who gets access to the most info? It feels like a big game of cat and mouse, where Google is trying to stay ahead of the curve but also not wanting to give away its secrets 
. I'm not saying Gemini is the new savior or anything, but... what if this is just another way for them to get ahead without having to put in the effort themselves? The EU's all about promoting competition and innovation, but sometimes you wonder what's really behind the scenes 
it's like they're trying to stifle innovation and competition, which is bad for consumers and businesses alike 
Gemini's taking advantage of this new API, so let's hope the EU gets Google to comply soon 
️ we don't want them to have to pay those huge fines 
6 months is a pretty short deadline, but I guess that's what happens when you're not playing by the rules 
i mean on one hand its cool that they're being held accountable for their actions and stuff. but on the other hand think about all the data they have on us users... its like, shouldn't we be in control of our own search history or whatever? 
anyway i guess this is a good thing for competition and innovation... can't wait to see what new features come out of this! 
also gotta say Gemini seems like a pretty cool service right now 
! Like, finally something's being done about Google's dominance in the search engine world 
. It's about time they're held accountable for their actions and forced to be more transparent 
. This new API is literally going to shake things up for Gemini and other rivals 
. I'm curious to see how this all plays out, but I think it's a great step towards promoting competition and innovation in the tech world 
. Fingers crossed that Google complies with the EU's requirements without any major issues 
!
I can imagine how frustrating it must be for Google, especially after those recent investigations... 
But honestly, I think it's a necessary step for the EU to promote competition and innovation in the AI landscape. 
And who knows, maybe this will lead to even better search results and more choices for us as consumers! 
. The EU's saying "hey Google, share your data with everyone else so we all can level up" 
.
maybe thats a good thing? people might have more options for where they search online and that could lead to better results for everyone 
. But what if it's just a cover-up for something bigger? Like, have you seen the fine Google might get if it doesn't comply? 10% of its global annual revenue? That's like, a small price to pay compared to the potential consequences of getting caught up in some massive conspiracy 
. Gemini seems like a great alternative, and it's awesome they're making use of the new API 
Like, who doesn't love a good game of "let's see how far we can push our monopoly"? 
But seriously, this EU probe is like the ultimate speed bump for Google. They're forcing them to share their secrets (or rather, search data) with the big boys... and I mean that literally – Gemini's getting in on the action! 
. but what happens next? will we see more players in the game or just a bunch of wannabes trying to take on google 
But seriously, how can we trust that rival search engines like Gemini are gonna use this data for good and not just for profit? I mean, have you seen their business model? 
I'm not sure about this EU move, tbh. On one hand, it's all about promoting competition and innovation in AI, which is def a good thing for consumers. But on the other hand, Google has built its whole search engine empire around collecting user data – like what are they gonna do with all that info? 
Like, do we really want our search history being used by Facebook or something? It's gonna be interesting to see how this all shakes out. 
. Can't wait to see how this plays out! 
like, we all know google's been playing it cool for years and now it's time to share the love 
or should i say data 
. i mean who doesn't wanna see some competition in the search game? 