EU compels Google to open Android, share search data and face billions in DMA fines

The European Commission has issued binding decisions under the Digital Markets Act requiring Google to give rival AI assistants and search engines access to core Android functions and anonymised search‑data. The measures aim to break Google’s “gatekeeper” position and allow alternatives such as ChatGPT or Claude to be integrated as deeply as Google’s Gemini on Android devices.

Compliance deadlines are set for July 2027 for Android interoperability and January 2027 for the sharing of search data. The Commission also signals that it will levy fines of up to 10 % of Google’s global annual turnover – potentially amounting to several hundred million euros – for breaching the DMA, including alleged preferential treatment of its own shopping, travel and other specialised services in search results and limits on Play‑Store developers.

If Google does not meet the requirements within the stipulated 60‑day window, daily penalty payments may be imposed. The actions form part of a broader EU crackdown on large tech platforms, following earlier antitrust penalties and a €4.1 billion fine for Android practices.