Alphabet’s Google filed a request on Tuesday with the Luxembourg General Court, Europe’s second‑highest court, to suspend an order issued by the European Commission in July. The Commission had mandated that Google share its search‑data repository with rival search engines, including AI chat‑bot providers such as OpenAI, to increase competition and give businesses and users more choices.
Google argues the order threatens privacy
In a statement, a Google spokesperson said the request for interim measures is justified because the Commission’s order “poses a risk of serious harm to the privacy of European users.” The company maintains that the forced data‑sharing could undermine vital privacy and security safeguards that protect millions of Europeans.
The European Commission, which also serves as the EU’s competition enforcer, defended its decision, saying the measure takes into account integrity and security features while ensuring the protection of personal data for end users. The Commission argues that opening up Google’s search data will level the playing field for AI‑driven search services and prevent a single company from dominating the market.
Legal battle escalates
Google’s request follows a separate lawsuit the company filed earlier in the week, directly challenging the Commission’s order before the European Court of Justice. By seeking an interim measure at the Luxembourg General Court, Google hopes to halt the implementation of the data‑sharing requirement while the broader case proceeds.
Legal analysts note that the outcome could have far‑reaching implications for how big‑tech firms handle user data in the EU and for the future of AI competition policy. If the court grants the suspension, Google would retain control over its search‑data assets pending a final decision on the merits of the Commission’s order.
Industry reaction
Industry observers and privacy advocates have offered mixed commentary. Some argue that the Commission’s approach is necessary to curb the market power of dominant platforms and to foster innovation among emerging AI search providers. Others echo Google’s concerns, warning that mandatory data‑sharing could expose sensitive user information and weaken existing security safeguards.
News agency MLex was the first to report on Google’s request for an interim measure, highlighting the growing tension between regulators seeking to enforce competition rules and technology firms defending their data‑privacy practices.
What’s next?
The Luxembourg General Court will review Google’s request and decide whether to grant a temporary suspension. The decision will be closely watched by regulators, tech companies, and privacy groups across Europe, as it may set a precedent for how future AI‑related competition cases are handled.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
