EU Launches Proceedings to Force Google Android Data Sharing

The European Commission launched two formal specification proceedings on January 27, 2026, to ensure Google complies with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The proceedings focus on AI interoperability and search data sharing, requiring Google to detail how third-party AI providers can access Android hardware and software features on the same terms as Google's Gemini. Additionally, Google must clarify how competing search engines can access anonymized ranking, query, click, and view data on fair and non-discriminatory terms.

While these proceedings are not formal infringement investigations, they serve as a six-month guidance period to help Google implement compliance measures. However, the EU noted that failure to comply with the DMA can eventually result in fines of up to 10 percent of a company's total global annual turnover.

Google senior competition counsel Clare Kelly defended Android's design as open and stated that the company already licenses search data to competitors. Kelly warned that mandates driven by competitor grievances rather than consumer interests could compromise user privacy, security, and innovation. Meanwhile, the United States government under President Donald Trump has accused the EU of unfairly targeting American firms through the DMA and the Digital Services Act.