EU Proposes Google Data Access for Third-Party Search Engines: Key Details Emerge

European Commission Proposes Measures to Help Google Comply with Digital Markets Act

The European Commission has proposed measures to assist Google in adhering to the European Union's Digital Markets Act, according to a report by Reuters on April 16. The preliminary findings, submitted to the search engine major, suggest allowing third-party search engines to access Google search data, including that of its artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots with search functionalities. The aim of this proposal is to enable third-party online search engines to optimize their search services and contest Google's leadership position in the space.

As part of the proposed measures, interested parties have until May 1, 2026, to submit their views on the proposed measures, with a final decision expected to be made in July. The final decision, scheduled for July 27, will be binding, as stated by the commission. Google, the world's most popular search engine, was charged with breaching the Digital Markets Act in March 2025. The company has presented its own proposals to address the concerns of rivals and EU regulators, but these measures have been deemed insufficient by its rivals.

EU Regulators Threaten Meta Over WhatsApp Access

Read also: Market Analysis: Key Stocks to Watch - Narayana Hrudayalaya, ABB India, Federal Bank, Premier Energies, Ather Energy and More

In a separate development, the European Commission has threatened to force Meta Platforms, the parent company of WhatsApp, to reverse its decision to limit the access of rival companies' AI chatbots to the messaging app. The commission stated that Meta's attempt to resolve the bloc's antitrust investigation of WhatsApp by charging third-party AI companies for access is unsatisfactory. The investigation was launched last year due to concerns that WhatsApp was blocking competing artificial intelligence companies from offering their AI assistants on the platform.

According to officials, Meta's decision in March to start charging third-party AI providers for access was essentially equivalent to the ban it had in place. The bloc intends to issue an order to reinstate access for third-party chatbots under previous terms until a final decision is reached on the case.