EU Orders Google to Open Android to AI Rivals, Share Search Data

European Union regulators have mandated that Google must provide third-party artificial intelligence services with greater access to core functionalities of Android smartphones and share its search data. The decision, issued under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), aims to prevent Google from leveraging its dominant position in the Android ecosystem to gain an unfair advantage in the AI market and foster greater user choice.

Starting in January 2027, Google must share more search data with rivals, including AI chatbots. By July 2027, rival AI services will be permitted to command apps on Android devices and gain enhanced access to core Android hardware and features, including the 'wake word' for voice commands. This move is intended to help 'rebalance the playing field' and encourage emerging alternatives to Google Search and its AI services.

Google has voiced strong opposition, warning that the measures would introduce "unprecedented risks to user privacy, device security, and national security." The company's head of global affairs, Kent Walker, argued that sharing search data would expose Europeans' private searches to unfamiliar companies without adequate anonymization or user consent. However, EU officials insisted that integrity, security, and privacy were taken into account and that search data would be anonymized.

These measures are legally binding, though not part of a formal investigation that could lead to immediate fines. Nevertheless, Google could face further action, as sources suggest the EU may impose a fine next week in a separate DMA investigation. The EU has previously fined Google billions of euros for competition rule violations.