The European Commission has directed Google to grant competitors improved access to AI features on Android devices and to share its search data. The move aims to foster competition under the bloc's Digital Markets Act.
The ruling, issued on Thursday, requires Google to allow third-party AI assistants the same access to Android functions as its own Gemini service. This includes enabling voice activation and task delegation, such as booking taxis.
Officials said 60 percent of EU phone users rely on Android. The Commission also mandated that Google share search data with rival engines and AI chatbots starting in January 2027, with Android changes to take effect by July 2027.
Google warned that the requirements could weaken privacy and security protections. Kent Walker, president of global affairs at Alphabet, stated that the decisions risk undermining vital guardrails for millions of Europeans.
Henna Virkkunen, the Commission's executive vice president, said the measures would support innovation and give users greater choice of services.
