The European Commission is set to unveil new rules targeting tech giants like Google, aiming to level the playing field with local competitors. However, Google’s security chief warns that these changes could expose user information to fraudsters.
Heather Adkins, Google’s VP of Security Engineering, told Wired that forcing Gemini, Google’s AI service, into sharing space on Android devices could see a rapid increase in cybercrime. ‘If implemented as described today, I think within a short period of time on Android, we’d see a significant increase in fraud in the EU,’ she said.
The proposal would also require Google to share anonymised search data with competitors, potentially compromising core aspects of its search functionality. Adkins highlighted that this could include detailed insights into searches and user interactions, which have never been shared at such a granular level before.
Google’s concerns echo broader debates around data privacy versus competition in the tech sector. As Europe tightens its grip on Big Tech, companies must navigate complex regulatory landscapes to protect both their business interests and users’ safety.
