Google Slams the EU: Search and Android Rules Will Backfire

Google has criticized the European Commission’s latest demands for changes to Google Search, Android, and the Play Store, arguing they will harm European businesses, degrade user experience, and weaken security.

In a statement, Oliver Bethell, Google’s Senior Director of Competition, called the Commission’s decision “misguided” and said it will make it harder for users to find relevant search results while cutting traffic to European businesses by up to 30%. He pointed to travel searches as an example, where limiting direct links to airline sites could lead to higher ticket prices as users are pushed toward intermediary sites that charge commissions.

Google also warned that new restrictions on Android and the Play Store could expose users to more malware and fraud by making it harder to protect them from malicious apps. The company defended its app store fees, arguing that without fair pricing, it cannot continue investing in an open Android ecosystem that supports billions of devices worldwide.

The company points out that unlike iOS, where Apple reviews every app before approval, Android allows developers to distribute apps freely, offering 50 times more choices than iOS. But if Google is unable to safeguard users from bad links and scam apps outside the secure Play Store, the EU’s new rules could force a choice between a locked-down system or a riskier, less secure platform.

While Google said it will comply with EU regulations, it argued that the Digital Markets Act (DMA)—intended to boost competition—is having the opposite effect by damaging European businesses and reducing product quality. The company said it hopes to work with the Commission to address its concerns.

Earlier today, the EU Commission ordered Apple to open iOS to third-party connected devices, according to preliminary findings.