Imagine if the AI assistant on your phone wasn’t just the one the manufacturer forced you to use, but one you actually chose because it worked better for you. In Europe, this could become a legal requirement in the near future. The European Commission (EU) has officially put Google on notice, demanding that the tech giant opens up Android’s deepest features to third-party AI assistant rivals.
Google must open all Android features to third-party AI assistants, EU rules
Currently, Google’s own AI, Gemini, enjoys a “home-field advantage.” It has access to hardware and software integrations within Android that outside developers can only envy. Under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), the EU is stepping in to change that.
The Commission has launched two specific proceedings to draft a “rulebook” for Google’s compliance. The first focuses on interoperability. Brussels wants to ensure that any third-party AI provider—whether it’s OpenAI, Anthropic, or a small startup—can access the same Android functionalities that power Gemini. If Google can use a specific system shortcut or hardware boost to make its AI faster, the law now says its competitors must have that same privilege.
The second part of this regulatory push targets the very foundation of Google’s empire: search data. The EU is mandating that Google share anonymized ranking, query, and click data with rival search engines and AI chatbot developers.
The EU hopes to enable smaller players to optimize their services and offer genuine alternatives to Google Search. The goal is simple: ensure the next big breakthrough in discovery tools isn’t stifled to one company.
A six-month deadline and massive stakes
Google has pushed back arguing that that Android is “open by design.” They expressed concerns that these mandates might compromise user privacy and security. However, the European Commission isn’t just asking for cooperation. Instead, they are setting a firm timeline to comply.
The EU plans to wrap up these proceedings within the next six months. While this isn’t a formal investigation yet, it is a clear warning shot. If Google fails to meet the Commission’s requirement by the end of this period, it could face formal non-compliance charges. In the world of the DMA, that means potential fines of up to 10% of the company’s total global annual revenue. This potential figure could reach tens of billions of dollars.
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