EU orders Google to open Android and Search to rivals

The European Union on Thursday issued two decisions requiring Google to provide rival AI assistants and search engines with greater access to key parts of Android and Google Search, in a move to enforce the bloc’s digital antitrust rules under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The rulings could weaken Google’s control over two of the tech industry’s most important platforms and have significant implications for its AI tool Gemini.

The first decision focuses on Android: Google must give rival AI assistants the same system features and data access as it gives its own Gemini assistant. This includes enabling users to choose alternative assistants like ChatGPT, Claude, or Perplexity as deeply integrated system assistants, with the ability to interact with apps, respond to voice commands, and use device hardware. The second decision targets Google Search data, requiring Google to share information that competing search engines and AI chatbots can use. The EU explicitly includes AI chatbots, which function as search engines in some cases.

Google has pushed back, arguing that the requirements pose risks to user privacy and security. However, the EU stated that data usage will be limited and Google can vet services for deeper Android access to ensure safety. These measures may also influence how Brussels handles similar cases with other tech giants, such as Apple, which has already delayed Siri AI in Europe citing the DMA.

“With today’s measures, we want to support innovation and diversity in the European Union, enabling fair competition in the markets of AI assistant for Android devices and search engines,” said Henna Virkkunen, European Commission executive vice president. “We hope to see emerging alternatives to Google Search and Google’s AI services, such as Gemini.”