The European Commission has issued binding orders requiring Google to give competing AI providers broader access to Android smartphones and portions of its search data, in one of the EU’s most significant efforts yet to prevent the company from extending its dominance in AI services.

The decisions, announced under the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), require Google to modify Android so rival AI assistants can operate with capabilities comparable to Google’s Gemini. The Commission also ordered the company to begin sharing selected anonymized Google Search data with eligible competitors beginning in January 2027.

European regulators argue that smartphone operating systems and search engines have become critical gateways for AI services. Without equal access, companies developing competing AI assistants face structural disadvantages as Google integrates Gemini more deeply into Android.

Henna Virkkunen, Executive VP of the European Commission responsible for technology policy, said the measures are intended to give consumers more choice while creating opportunities for alternative search engines and AI services to compete.

Android powers roughly 60% of smartphones in the EU, making access to the OS strategically important for companies developing AI assistants.

Two Rulings

Under the Android order, Google must allow third-party AI assistants to respond to voice commands, work in the background, and interact with apps in ways that previously favored Gemini. The changes would allow services like ChatGPT, Perplexity and other eligible assistants to perform tasks, including carrying out actions across multiple apps without requiring Google’s own AI service.

The Commission concluded that competing AI agents cannot currently achieve the same level of integration on Android devices as Google’s own products. Regulators have directed Google to implement the required Android changes by July 2027.

A second ruling focuses on Google Search. Beginning in January 2027, Google must provide qualifying competitors with anonymized ranking, query, click and viewing data generated through its search engine. The requirement extends beyond traditional search providers to include companies developing AI-powered search experiences.

The Commission argues that Google’s enormous volume of search information gives it an advantage that competitors cannot realistically replicate. Access to portions of that data, regulators say, should help improve rival search products and AI systems while encouraging greater competition.

Google Criticizes Decisions

Google sharply criticized both decisions. Kent Walker, President of Global Affairs for Google and Alphabet, said the requirements could weaken privacy protections and cybersecurity safeguards that currently limit outside access to sensitive user information.

He argued that exposing search data to additional companies could create new risks for consumers, businesses and governments, and that allowing external AI applications broader access to Android features could reduce existing security protections.

The Commission said its decisions include safeguards intended to protect user privacy and allow Google to evaluate whether companies requesting access present legitimate security or privacy risks before granting access.

The rulings continue the EU’s broader campaign to curb the market power of large tech platforms designated as gatekeepers under the Digital Markets Act. Previous actions have targeted interoperability requirements for Apple devices and restrictions on practices involving other major digital platforms.

Companies that fail to comply with DMA obligations can face fines of up to 10% of worldwide annual revenue, giving the Commission substantial enforcement authority if Google does not implement the required changes.