Brussels issued two new orders requiring Google to let rival AI assistants work more fully on Android and to start sharing anonymized search data with some competitors by January 2027.
The European Commission said non-Google AI agents cannot function on Android at the same level as Gemini, so Google must allow voice activation and background tasks such as restaurant bookings through third-party apps.
Google said the rules could expose Europeans’ searches to unfamiliar companies without adequate anonymization or consent, weakening privacy protections and risking trade secrets and national security.
The move extends the EU’s broader campaign against digital “gatekeepers” under its tech rulebook, following recent demands on Apple interoperability and Meta’s addictive platform features.
As the EU mandates AI choice on Android, are users gaining freedom or just losing access to the latest cutting-edge features?
With AI development costing billions, can the EU's new rules create real competition or just help one giant replace another?
Google Faces 2027 Deadline as EU Mandates Search Data Sharing and Android Access Under Digital Markets Act
Overview
The European Union has issued a landmark order against Google under its Digital Markets Act, requiring Google to make major changes in Europe by July 2026. The order aims to boost competition and give consumers more choices by forcing Google to open its Android operating system to AI rivals and share its search data with competing online engine providers. These measures are designed to encourage alternatives to Google’s dominant Search and AI services, ultimately enhancing user choice within the EU. This move marks a significant shift in the digital landscape, challenging Google’s long-standing market dominance.