It's official: EU will force Google to share search data and open up AI on Android

Android: Opening Up AI Access

The new measures target Google's preferential treatment of its Gemini AI on Android. Currently, Gemini is preloaded on all Google-certified Android phones and can wake up in response to the "Hey Google" hot word. Google's AI also includes system and app automation features, screen content access, and more.

"Third-party AI assistants are therefore limited in how they can offer their innovative services, making them less attractive to 60% of EU users who have an Android device," the Commission said in its press release.

Whether mobile AI is truly innovative is up for debate, but according to EU regulators, users should be able to install an AI system of their choice without losing features. The Commission says these measures have been designed to preserve user privacy and device integrity. However, generative AI feeds on data, and deploying any such assistant on your phone means inviting your chosen model to pig out. Google is at least the devil you know.

Search: Sharing Data with Competitors

The second set of specification measures covers Google's search business. The European Commission will force Google to share search data with competitors, potentially increasing competition and giving users more choices. Google claims these changes could endanger user privacy and security.

Compliance Under the DMA

As a "gatekeeper" under the DMA, Google has no choice but to comply. As the European Commission points out in its announcement, these decisions are legally binding. Companies like Apple, Meta, and Google have faced steep fines and orders to modify their business practices since the law came into force in 2024.