Google to Open Android Features to AI Rivals Under New EU Order

In Focus

• The order required Google to give rival AI assistants access to 11 Android features
• The order falls under EU’s Digital Markets Act
• The tech giant must also share anonymized search data with AI chatbot providers

The EU has ordered Google to share data and open up key features of its Android operating system to OpenAI and rival AI services. The order falls under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), the regulatory framework that requires Big Techs to make their platforms more open to competition and provide users with more choices.

“Thanks to these measures we hope to see emerging alternatives to Google Search and Google’s AI services, such as Gemini, and that users in the EU can enjoy greater choice of services,” EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen said as cited by EuroNews.

Which Android Features Must Google Open?

Under the new rules, Google must give rival AI assistants access to 11 Android features. Google must also share anonymized search data with OpenAI, and other AI chatbot providers that offer search features to improve their services.

The Google Android DMA rules allow the tech company to review applicants for cybersecurity and privacy risks before granting them access. The tech giant can set a pricing framework for shared data. Access to Android features will enable users to complete tasks like online search and bookings using voice commands, the way they use “Hey Google” with Gemini.

The new rules will take effect in July 2027. Upon implementation, users will be able to set rival AI tools as their default voice assistants and use voice commands to complete tasks like bookings and retrieving location information.

What Privacy Concerns Did Google Raise?

According to the EU, requiring Google to share search data will help to rebalance the digital market. Google, which faces the largest DMA fine over self-promotion practices, has argued that the new rules create unprecedented risks to user privacy, device security, and national security.

“Today’s decisions risk undermining vital privacy and security guardrails for millions of Europeans. We have repeatedly offered solutions to safeguard users while satisfying the DMA’s goals, but these rulings discount extensive evidence of user harm,” Global affairs head at Google, Kent Walker noted.

The EU said it prioritized integrity, security, and privacy in its decision while ensuring search data remains anonymous.

What Does the EU’s Decision Mean for Big Techs?

Google’s search data sharing decision is part of the EU’s wider push to rein in the power of dominant technology platforms. In recent months, the European Commission has introduced measures requiring Google to expand access to Gemini-related services to competitors.

Recently, EU regulators are pushing Apple to strengthen interoperability with external devices, and have ordered Meta to remove features like infinite scrolling that may contribute to harmful usage patterns. EU regulators introduced the measures six months after the bloc initiated proceedings to determine how Google should comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA).