EU Orders Google To Open Android And Search Access To Rivals
The EU has ordered Google to give rival AI assistants and search engines wider Android and Search access under the Digital Markets Act, The Verge reported. Google cited privacy and security risks, while the public record still lacks implementation dates, technical access specifications and an approved list of rival assistants.
The European Union has ordered Google to give rival AI assistants and search engines wider access to Android and Google Search systems under the Digital Markets Act.
The two regulatory decisions cover Android assistant interoperability and access to some Search-generated data, as reported by The Verge.
The order makes Google's treatment of Gemini a reference point for other AI assistants on Android and puts search-data access inside the same regulatory lane as AI chatbots that operate like search tools in some cases, according to the EU decision.
EU Orders Android Assistant Interoperability
The Android proceeding sets out how Google must give rival AI assistants access to system features and data comparable to the access Gemini receives.
This decision is meant to let users decide whether competing tools can use their data and device hardware.
The access could include interaction with apps, voice-command handling, and fuller use of phone hardware.
In practical terms, ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, or another assistant could be chosen as a deeply integrated Android assistant instead of Gemini if the product meets the regulatory and safety conditions described in the proceeding.
The European Commission framed the measures as support for innovation and competition in AI assistant and search markets.
Henna Virkkunen, the Commission executive vice president for tech sovereignty, security, and democracy, said the EU wants users to see emerging alternatives to Google Search and Google's AI services.
Search Data Access Extends To AI Chatbots
The second proceeding covers Google Search and information generated by the service.
The EU stated that competing search engines and AI services can gain access to information that Google historically kept for itself.
The measure includes AI chatbots where they function as search engines.
The same report compared the European approach with remedies ordered in the U.S. search antitrust case, where Google was instructed to share valuable search information with rivals.
The EU did not present the decisions as financial penalties.
The proceedings require Google to change how parts of Android and Search operate after engagement between regulators and the company.
Google Cites Privacy And Security Risks
Google pushed back against both measures, arguing that the requirements create unacceptable risks to user privacy and security and could damage its products.
The EU stated limits will apply to the use of shared search data.
For Android, Google will also be able to vet which services receive deeper access to protect safety and security, according to The Verge's account of the decision.
That review condition leaves implementation details with both the company and EU regulators rather than giving rivals unrestricted access.
The public record still lacks a technical access specification for auditing Google's Android and Search changes.
