The European Union has taken decisive action against tech giant Google, launching formal proceedings to ensure compliance with its landmark Digital Markets Act (DMA). The move specifically targets Google's handling of access to its Gemini AI services and search data for rival companies.
EU's Digital Markets Act Enforcement
On Tuesday, the executive arm of the 27-nation bloc announced it was opening "specification proceedings" against Google. This action aims to verify that the company adheres to the sweeping requirements of the DMA, which mandates that major technology corporations provide smaller competitors with equal access to hardware and software features.
Focus on AI and Search Data Access
Brussels clarified that a significant portion of these proceedings will concentrate on how Google should grant third-party AI companies "equally effective access to the same features" available through its own services. Additionally, the EU will examine whether Google is offering competing search engines fair and reasonable access to Google Search data, including determining if AI chatbot providers qualify for such access.
These proceedings, while not constituting a full investigation, must conclude within six months. At that point, the European Commission will draft specific measures to impose on Google to ensure compliance.
Google's Response and Industry Concerns
Clare Kelly, Google's senior competition counsel, expressed concerns about the motivations behind the EU's action. "Android is open by design, and we're already licensing Search data to competitors under the DMA," Kelly stated. "However, we are concerned that further rules which are often driven by competitor grievances rather than the interest of consumers, will compromise user privacy, security, and innovation."
EU's Commitment to Fair Competition
Teresa Ribera, executive vice president of the European Commission overseeing competition affairs, emphasized the bloc's objectives. She stated that the EU seeks to "maximize the potential and the benefits of this profound technological shift by making sure the playing field is open and fair, not tilted in favor of the largest few."
Broader Context of EU Scrutiny
This development represents additional pressure from the European Union on Google, which has been facing ongoing antitrust scrutiny. Last year, EU regulators initiated an investigation into whether Google provided itself with an unfair advantage by utilizing online content for its AI models and services.
The current proceedings highlight the EU's determination to enforce its digital regulations rigorously, particularly as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly central to technological competition and innovation across global markets.
