Google's distinguished scientist Sergei Vassilvitskii has expressed strong opposition to a European Union proposal requiring Google to share search engine data with competitors such as OpenAI. In a strongly worded message to the EU, Vassilvitskii warned that the proposal risks exposing users' private information. According to a Reuters report, this is the sternest rebuke yet in a dispute over Google's lucrative business model.
EU Proposal Sparks Privacy Concerns
The European Commission outlined steps for Google to allow rival search engines access to search data, including ranking, query, click, and view data on fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory terms. The proposed measures cover the scope, means, and frequency of data sharing, anonymization of personal data, governance of access, and pricing parameters. Google has called this regulatory overreach that could jeopardize user privacy and security.
Vassilvitskii's Warning
Sergei Vassilvitskii, a leading figure at Google since 2012, highlighted flaws in the Commission's anonymization method. He stated that his red team—ethical hackers simulating cyberattacks—could re-identify users in less than two hours. "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 two hours," he told Reuters.
Deadline and Potential Penalties
Regulators will decide by July 27 on the exact measures Google must implement. Non-compliance could lead to charges under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), with fines up to 10% of Google's global annual revenue. The EU has been cracking down on Big Tech through legislation to promote competition and user choice.
Security Researcher Supports Google
Independent security researcher Lukasz Olejnik echoed Vassilvitskii's concerns, calling the EU plan "one of the biggest risks in Europe this year." He warned that forced data sharing could expose sensitive search data to third parties, including hostile actors, posing serious privacy and national security risks.
The TOI Tech Desk, a team of journalists covering technology news, provides accurate and authentic reporting on this developing story.
