EU takes action against Google: Two major obligations enforced, the era of tech giants' monopoly coming to an end?

EU Launches Compliance Procedures, Google Faces Dual Pressure

The European Commission has officially initiated two compliance procedures against Google, requiring the company to fulfill its obligations under the Digital Markets Act. This is not a warning but substantive regulatory action. According to the latest statement, the EU will complete its investigation within 6 months and notify preliminary results within 3 months. Google needs to make changes in two core areas: opening up Android ecosystem interoperability and sharing search data with competitors.

Specifics of the Two Obligations

Interoperability Obligation: Breaking the “Gates” of Android

The first obligation requires Google to provide third-party developers with “free and effective interoperability” with hardware and software functions controlled by Android. Simply put, developers should not be locked into the Google ecosystem. They should be able to access core functions of Android devices without unreasonable restrictions from Google.

What does this mean? Third-party applications can call system functions more freely without relying entirely on Google’s APIs and services. This is a positive development for developers who have long been monopolized by the Google ecosystem.

Data Sharing Obligation: The “Equal Rights” of Search Engines

The second obligation involves search data. Google must provide third-party search engine providers with its anonymized ranking, query, click, and browsing data under “fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory” terms.

This is more challenging. Google controls the world’s largest search database, which is central to its competitive advantage. Being forced to share this data means competitors can obtain better algorithm training material, narrowing the gap with Google.

Investigation Timeline and Possible Outcomes

• Initiation Phase: Starting now, formal regulatory dialogue begins
• Within 3 months: The EU reports preliminary investigation results to Google, outlining draft measures
• Within 6 months: Complete all investigation procedures

This schedule is relatively tight. If Google does not cooperate proactively, the EU may take enforcement measures, including fines. Under the Digital Markets Act, violations can result in fines up to 10% of global annual revenue. For giants like Google, this is no small figure.

Deeper Regulatory Logic

These two obligations reflect the EU’s core concerns about platform monopolies:

• Interoperability requirements: Break ecosystem silos, giving users and developers more choices
• Data sharing requirements: Weaken data monopoly advantages and promote fair competition

The EU’s logic is clear—large tech platforms cannot maintain monopolies by controlling ecosystems and data. This approach differs from other regions’ regulatory philosophies. The US focuses more on antitrust, China emphasizes platform responsibilities, while the EU particularly stresses “openness” and “fairness.”

Implications for the Tech Ecosystem

This case demonstrates that even tech giants like Google must accept regulatory constraints. In contrast, the advantages of decentralized platforms, as mentioned in some reports, become more apparent—without a single controller, there are no monopoly issues. Of course, decentralization has its own problems, but the idea that “no one can forcibly control your data” is increasingly attractive under current regulatory environments.

From another perspective, this may also drive a transformation in internet architecture. If centralized platforms are required to open up data and functions, new business models and technological solutions could gain more opportunities.

Summary

The EU’s initiation of these two compliance procedures against Google marks an escalation in regulation of tech giants. Interoperability and data sharing are no longer suggestions but mandatory requirements. Over the next six months, we will see how Google responds—whether through proactive cooperation or resistance. Whatever the approach, it will have a profound impact on the global tech ecosystem. It also serves as a reminder that the era of monopoly is ending, and openness and fair competition will become the new normal.