European Commission Sets Android AI And Search Data Measures For Google
The European Commission has issued Digital Markets Act specification measures requiring Google to open Android AI interoperability and anonymised Google Search data access. The Register reported that search data sharing begins in January 2027, while the AI interoperability measures apply from July 2027 unless legal scrutiny changes the timetable.
The European Commission has set Digital Markets Act measures for Google covering Android AI interoperability and anonymised Google Search data access.
The Register reported that the search-data requirements are due in January 2027 and the AI interoperability measures in July 2027, subject to Google's defence and judicial-review routes.
Android Measures Open Devices To Gemini Rivals
The Android decision requires Google to give third-party AI providers wider access to Android-powered devices.
The measures include voice activation in place of Gemini and the ability for third-party services to take actions in apps on a user's behalf.
The Commission's position is that competitors currently have restricted access to key functions.
Users would be able to activate a preferred AI assistant, while Google could apply objective and non-discriminatory eligibility conditions covering privacy, security and integrity.
The specification proceeding is not a finding that Google violated the DMA.
Implementation will be monitored over the next two years under the formal measures.
Google president of global affairs Kent Walker warned that the decision could weaken privacy and security safeguards by giving external apps sensitive device permissions without original-equipment-maker controls.
Search Data Access Starts With Anonymisation
The search decision requires Google to share data used to optimise its own search services so rival search engines and AI chatbots with search functions can improve their products.
The safeguards suppress records containing rare items such as usernames, passwords, addresses and bank-account information.
Metadata must be generalised, direct and indirect identifiers removed, and users grouped into bundles of at least 1,000 people with similar location and device data.
Recipients must show verified investment plans for improving online search.
They may not connect the data to other datasets, share it with third parties or use it outside search-service improvement.
The Commission considers Google's earlier attempts to open search data ineffective.
Google's objections focus on the risk that private searches could reach companies users do not know, while the specification relies on suppression, grouping and audit requirements to limit that exposure.
Audits And Legal Review Keep The Timetable Open
Search-data recipients must complete an independent audit before receiving access and repeat the audit each year.
The measures are also subject to biennial review as practical experience and technology change.
Google maintains that the specification lacks explicit user consent and could hand search data to AI chatbot companies.
The Commission has preserved Google's rights of defence and access to independent judicial scrutiny.
An accepted Google compliance plan, an approved search-data recipient and a final court timetable have not yet been published.
