Google appeals EU orders to share search data, citing privacy risks

Google has appealed two European Union orders under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), challenging requirements to share anonymised search data with rivals and open Android to competing AI assistants. The company argues the measures could expose sensitive user information and weaken security. Meanwhile, France is pushing to use Google’s €10.38 billion in EU fines to reduce member states’ contributions to the bloc’s budget, adding a financial dimension to the regulatory dispute.

Google challenges EU orders under Digital Markets Act

Google has filed an appeal with the EU General Court in Luxembourg challenging two orders issued under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which require the company to share parts of its services with rivals. The appeal, submitted on 28 September 2026, targets mandates to provide anonymised search data to competing search engines and AI developers, as well as interoperability measures for Android.

The orders stem from a July 2026 decision by the European Commission, which ruled that Google must supply eligible competitors with anonymised information about search queries, rankings, clicks, and views. The data-sharing requirements are set to take effect in January 2027, while Android interoperability measures—including access to 11 phone features for rival AI assistants like Gemini—are due by August 2027.

Google argues that the orders could compromise user privacy, as search queries may reveal sensitive personal information, including health details and relationships. The company also claims the Android interoperability requirements could weaken security protections on its mobile operating system.

EU defends safeguards as DuckDuckGo backs regulator

The European Commission has defended the orders, stating that the data-sharing system includes robust safeguards such as anonymisation, removal of exact timestamps, and filtering of uncommon or sensitive queries. Location data is also generalised to protect user identities.

DuckDuckGo, a competing search engine, has publicly supported the EU’s position. According to reports, the company described the anonymisation framework as sound and suggested that Google’s appeal is primarily a delaying tactic.

The Commission emphasised that the orders do not require Google to disclose users’ account details or full search histories. Access to the dataset is also subject to strict requirements, including compliance with data protection laws and restrictions on data transfers abroad.

France seeks to redirect Google’s fines to EU budget

France has proposed using Google’s accumulated EU fines—totaling €10.38 billion over nearly two decades—to reduce member states’ contributions to the EU budget. The largest fine, €4.125 billion for Android-related competition violations, amounts to approximately €4.7 billion with interest.

Benjamin Haddad, France’s Minister Delegate for European Affairs, stated that €4.6 billion from Google’s fines should be used to lower national contributions. Under current EU rules, fines are already included in the general budget, reducing member states’ payments either in the year they are booked or the following year.

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has written to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urging a firm commitment to using Google’s fines to offset national payments. France’s annual contribution to the EU budget could rise from €26 billion to €36 billion under the Commission’s draft budget for 2028–2034, or up to €42 billion if new revenue sources are not agreed.

Broader implications for tech regulation

The appeal highlights tensions between competition regulation and privacy protections, a recurring challenge in tech policy. The General Court’s handling of Google’s challenges could set a precedent for how far regulators can go in requiring dominant platforms to share data while safeguarding user privacy.

The case also underscores the financial stakes of EU competition policy. Google’s fines, if redirected, could provide relief to member states facing rising budget contributions. However, negotiations over the EU’s 2028–2034 budget remain contentious, with disagreements over its size and priorities.

What this means

Lazyfounder analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

Google’s appeal is a high-stakes test of the EU’s ability to enforce competition rules without compromising user privacy—a balancing act that has bedeviled regulators for years. For founders and operators, this case signals that compliance with the DMA will not be straightforward, especially when it comes to data sharing. The outcome could force tech giants to rethink how they structure access to proprietary data, while smaller competitors may gain new opportunities to challenge incumbents.

The push by France to redirect Google’s fines also reveals a pragmatic side to EU competition policy. For member states, these fines are not just regulatory tools but potential financial lifelines amid budget pressures. This could incentivise governments to take a harder line on enforcement, knowing that penalties may ultimately benefit their own coffers.

Ultimately, the case is a reminder that regulation is not just about rules—it’s about trade-offs. Founders building products that rely on third-party data or ecosystems (like Android) should monitor this closely. The DMA’s requirements could reshape how platforms interact with competitors, and legal challenges like this one will define the boundaries of those obligations.

Key takeaways

• Google has filed an appeal with the EU General Court challenging two orders under the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
• The orders require Google to share anonymised search data with rivals and open Android features to competing AI assistants by 2027.
• Google claims the orders threaten user privacy and Android security, while the European Commission insists safeguards are in place.
• France is pushing to use Google’s fines—totaling €10.38 billion—to offset national contributions to the EU budget.
• The outcome of the appeal could shape how the DMA balances competition and privacy in tech regulation.

FAQ

What is the Digital Markets Act (DMA)?

The Digital Markets Act (DMA) is an EU regulation designed to ensure fair competition in digital markets by imposing obligations on large tech companies deemed "gatekeepers." It targets practices like self-preferencing, data hoarding, and restrictions on interoperability to create a level playing field for smaller competitors.

Why is Google appealing the EU orders?

Google argues that the orders to share anonymised search data and open Android to rival AI assistants could compromise user privacy and weaken security protections. The company claims the measures lack sufficient safeguards to prevent the exposure of sensitive personal information.

What safeguards does the EU say are in place?

The European Commission states that the data-sharing system includes anonymisation, filtering of sensitive queries, generalisation of location data, and removal of exact timestamps. It also requires compliance with data protection laws and restricts data transfers abroad.

How much has Google been fined by the EU?

Google has been fined a total of €10.38 billion by the EU over nearly two decades, including a €4.125 billion penalty for Android-related competition violations. With interest, the Android fine amounts to approximately €4.7 billion.

What does France propose to do with Google’s fines?

France has proposed using Google’s fines to reduce member states’ contributions to the EU budget. The country’s Prime Minister has urged the European Commission to ensure these funds offset national payments, which could rise significantly under the draft 2028–2034 budget.

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