A senior scientist from Google has cautioned European regulators about potential privacy risks linked to a proposed data-sharing rule. The warning comes as the European Commission pushes for measures to increase competition in the search market.
The proposal would require Google to share search engine data with rivals, including companies like OpenAI. The data includes search rankings, queries, clicks, and view information, and would be shared under fair and non-discriminatory terms. Regulators believe this step could create more opportunities for smaller competitors.
However, Sergei Vassilvitskii, a distinguished scientist at Google since 2012, has raised concerns ahead of a meeting with EU antitrust officials. He is expected to present an alternative approach with stronger safeguards.
Google has strongly opposed the proposal, calling it regulatory overreach that could risk user privacy and security. The main concern is whether anonymised data can truly remain anonymous. Vassilvitskii highlighted that advanced AI tools could still identify individuals from such datasets.
“We are concerned because the EC’s approach to anonymization fails to protect Europeans’ privacy: our red team managed to re-identify users in less than 2 hours,” he said.
He added, “We are eager to share our technical expertise and work with the EC to establish the right guardrails and protect Europeans from privacy harm.”
Google’s AI red team, which tests systems by simulating real-world cyber threats, found weaknesses in the proposed anonymisation approach.
The European Commission plans to finalise the rules in the coming weeks after gathering feedback. Regulators will decide by July 27 on the final measures that Google must follow.
If the company fails to comply, it could face penalties under the Digital Markets Act. Fines could reach up to 10% of its global annual revenue.
The proposal is part of a broader effort by the EU to regulate Big Tech and create a more competitive digital market, though it has faced criticism from industry and the U.S. government.
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