EU orders Google to open Android and share search data with AI rivals

The European Commission has issued binding specifications under the Digital Markets Act that require Google to give third‑party artificial‑intelligence assistants the same access to eleven core Android functions – including microphone, camera, screen, voice activation and background app interactions – that its own Gemini assistant currently enjoys. The measures must be implemented by August 1 2027 with Android 18.

Google must also share anonymised search‑query data with competing search engines and AI services, a requirement slated for January 2027. The Commission says the steps will level the playing field for the roughly 60 % of EU Android users who rely on Google’s services, while Google warns the obligations could create significant privacy and security risks for millions of users.