EU forces Google to open Android to AI rivals and share search data

The European Commission has issued binding specifications under the Digital Markets Act that require Google to give competing artificial‑intelligence assistants the same level of integration with Android as its own Gemini service. The measures obligate Google to allow third‑party AI assistants to be activated by voice, access contextual data and perform background tasks on Android devices. In parallel, Google must provide anonymised search‑query data, ranking information and click‑through metrics to rival search engines. The data‑sharing must begin by January 2027, while the Android interoperability changes must be implemented by July 2027.

Google argues the rules could undermine privacy, security and the stability of the Android ecosystem, with Kent Walker warning that “the decisions risk undermining vital privacy and security guardrails for millions of Europeans.” The Commission counters that the obligations include multi‑layered anonymisation, contractual safeguards and independent audits to protect users. The actions target Google’s roughly 90 % share of the European search market and aim to foster competition for both search services and AI assistants.

The decision is part of a broader EU effort to curb the dominance of large digital platforms and to ensure that AI and search markets remain open to new entrants.