EU orders Google to open Android and Search data to rival AI services

The European Commission has issued binding instructions requiring Google to open up Search and Android to competitors.

Back in 2023, the European Commission designated Google's Search, Play, Maps, YouTube, Android, Chrome, Shopping, and its online advertising services as core platform services under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Under the DMA, the European Commission today issued binding instructions requiring Google to give rival AI assistants and search engines greater access to Android and Google Search data.

This is a major decision that could affect Google from both technical and business perspectives. If enforced, AI companies such as OpenAI and Anthropic would have a stronger chance of competing with Google’s Gemini on Android. Microsoft could also benefit significantly from access to Google Search data, which may help it further improve the Bing search engine.

Under the first decision, Google must make key Android features available to competing AI services under the same conditions offered to its own products, including Gemini. This could allow third-party assistants such as ChatGPT and Perplexity to become more deeply integrated into Android devices.

For example, users should be able to launch their preferred AI assistant using a voice command and allow it to perform actions such as booking a taxi. Rival assistants must also receive access to relevant system features while running in the background. Google is expected to implement the required Android changes by July 2027.

The second decision focuses on Google Search. Google must provide eligible rival search engines with access to anonymized ranking, query, click, and viewing data generated through its search service. The requirement will also cover companies offering AI chatbot-based search experiences.

Access to Google Search data is expected to begin in January 2027. According to the Commission, this information could help competitors improve their services and offer alternatives to Google Search.

The Commission says both decisions include safeguards designed to protect user privacy, and Google will also be allowed to assess whether companies requesting access present legitimate cybersecurity or privacy risks.

As expected, Google was not happy with this decision. Kent Walker, President of Global Affairs for Google & Alphabet, published a blog post explaining why this decision undercuts security and privacy for Europeans:

The reality is that AI assistants already safely access Android’s capabilities, with phone makers playing a key role in vetting them. This Android ruling threatens device security by granting external apps sensitive and powerful device permissions without these safeguards. This is occurring as the EU’s own cybersecurity agency warns that “security fundamentals matter more than ever in the age of AI”.

 

Of particular concern, Europeans’ private searches would be exposed to unfamiliar companies, without adequate anonymisation of the data and without user knowledge or consent. This would weaken citizens' privacy, risk business trade secrets, and endanger national security.

The EU believes the measures will encourage greater competition and give Android users more choice. Companies that fail to comply with the DMA can face fines of up to 10% of their worldwide annual revenue.

Source

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Posted Friday 17 July 2026 at 7:19 am AEST (my time).

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