EU Orders Google to Open Core Android Features to AI Rivals

The European Union’s Digital Markets Act requires designated gatekeepers to give rivals effective access to core platform features and, in Google’s case, anonymised search data on fair terms. The intervention matters because Android reaches about 60% of European mobile users, while Google Search has held more than 90% of the regional market for decades. Brussels argues that Gemini’s privileged access to Android and Google’s unmatched search data could entrench its lead over assistants such as ChatGPT and Claude.

On July 16, 2026, the European Commission adopted two binding measures requiring Google to open 11 Android features, including voice activation, contextual access, cross-app actions and background execution. Most changes must ship with Android 18 by Aug. 1, 2027, while eligible search engines and AI chatbots with search functions are due to receive anonymised query, click, view and ranking data from January 2027. Google said the order could expose private searches and put trade secrets and national security at risk; the Commission said consent, eligibility checks and layered anonymisation would protect users.