EU mandates Google to open Android and share search data with rivals
The European Commission has issued binding obligations for Google under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Google must make eleven Android functions – currently integrated mainly with its Gemini assistant – available to competing AI assistants, enabling voice activation and task execution on Android devices. The company must also provide anonymised data from its search engine to rival search services, with data sharing to start in January 2027 and Android interoperability changes due by July 2027.
Google has warned that the measures could weaken privacy, security and user‑experience safeguards for millions of Europeans. The Commission argues the steps are necessary to foster competition in AI and online search markets and to prevent Google from favouring its own services.
The decision marks one of the most significant regulatory actions against a major tech platform in the EU, aiming to create a more level playing field for AI developers and search providers.