About the Google European Search Dataset Licensing Program

On September 6, 2023, the European Commission announced that Google has been designated as a gatekeeper under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Beginning on March 7, 2024, Google will accept applications from eligible online search engines to comply with DMA obligations requiring Google to license anonymized search data to online search engines directed at European users. Eligible licensees will be able to access the first dataset starting April 1, 2024.

Eligibility criteria to receive search data

To qualify for a license to the Google Search Dataset, interested applicants must meet the following conditions:

  • Online search engine. The licensee must qualify as an online search engine as defined in Art. 2(6) DMA.
  • Operating in the European Economic Area (EEA). The licensee must operate within the EEA, meaning that their online search engine must be directed at users located in the EEA.
  • Security credentials. The licensee must have a track record of safeguarding user data to a high standard. The licensee must also demonstrate that it has robust technical and security infrastructure (both hardware and software) to safeguard the search data. And the licensee must have in place systems to ensure that the data is protected from attack from cybercriminals or state actors.
  • Financial viability. The licensee must be able to establish that it is financially viable, including based on corporate filings with relevant legal authorities in its country of establishment.
  • No connection to state actors. The licensee must not be directly or indirectly under the operation or control of non-EEA state actors. Nor should there be any direct or indirect commercial links between the recipients and such state actors.
  • No SEOs. Applicants must not operate a Search Engine Optimization business.

We may ask you to provide supporting documents to verify that you meet these requirements.

Information and application

Participation in Google's European Search Dataset Licensing Program is subject to contract. If you would like more information about the program or wish to apply, fill out this form.