The European Commission announced on January 27, 2026 that it has opened two sets of specification proceedings to help Alphabet’s Google comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The proceedings focus on interoperability with Android and AI services, and on data sharing for online search engines, and are expected to be concluded within six months, with preliminary findings to be released in three months.
The first set of proceedings addresses Article 6(7) of the DMA, which requires gatekeepers to provide third‑party AI providers with equal access to core platform features. The second set targets Article 6(11), mandating that Google share anonymised ranking, query, click, and view data from its search engine on fair, reasonable, and non‑discriminatory (FRAND) terms. These specification proceedings formalise the Commission’s regulatory dialogue with Google and are distinct from infringement proceedings that could lead to fines.
Google has expressed concerns that the new rules could compromise user privacy, security, and innovation. Senior Competition Counsel Clare Kelly said, “Android is open by design, and we’re already licensing Search data to competitors under the DMA. However, we are concerned that further rules driven by competitor grievances will compromise user privacy, security, and innovation.” The company also highlighted that it already provides search data to rivals and that Android’s openness is a core design principle.
The regulatory action could force Google to alter how it shares search, advertising, and cloud data with competitors, and may require new data‑sharing protocols, audit mechanisms, and restrictions on proprietary services. Compliance costs could rise, and Google may need to adjust its API offerings to avoid penalties. The DMA’s requirements are intended to level the playing field for rival AI providers, potentially reshaping competition in search, advertising, and cloud services and affecting Google’s market dominance in those areas.
Google was designated a gatekeeper for several core platform services—including Search, Android, Chrome, YouTube, Maps, Shopping, and online advertising—in September 2023, and has been subject to DMA obligations since March 2024. The Commission’s current proceedings follow earlier EU actions, such as the €2.42 billion fine for Google Shopping, and represent a proactive regulatory approach rather than an immediate enforcement action.
While no specific market reaction data is available, investors are closely monitoring how Google will adapt its operations and whether the Commission’s guidance will lead to substantive changes in its platform policies.
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