The European Union has issued a major order requiring Google to open more parts of Android to competing artificial intelligence services. The legally binding decision is designed to prevent Google from using Android’s dominant position to give its own AI assistant, Gemini, an unfair advantage over rival platforms. The move marks another significant step in the EU’s broader effort to increase competition in the digital marketplace.

Under the new requirements, Google must also begin sharing certain search-related data with eligible competitors. European regulators believe these measures will create a more level playing field for AI developers while giving users greater freedom to choose the services they want to use on Android devices.

EU wants equal access for AI assistants

According to the European Commission, third-party AI assistants currently have only limited access to several important Android features when compared with Google’s own Gemini assistant. Regulators argue that these restrictions make it harder for competing AI platforms to deliver the same level of functionality and innovation to users.

Once Google implements the required changes, Android users in the European Union could receive a setup experience similar to the browser choice screen introduced under previous competition rules. Users would be able to choose their preferred AI assistant, which could then be activated using voice commands and perform a range of AI-powered tasks across supported devices.

The EU believes these changes will encourage greater competition while reducing Google’s ability to favour its own services through Android.

Google must share search data by 2027

In addition to opening Android, the European Union has ordered Google to share certain search data with competing search engines and AI companies. The rules state that eligible AI chatbots should have access to the same anonymized data Google uses to improve its own search services.

European regulators said all shared information must be anonymized to protect user privacy. The methods used to anonymize that data will be independently reviewed by a third party before implementation.

Google has been instructed to begin sharing search-related data with rivals by January 2027. The company must also complete the Android changes and provide broader software access to rival AI applications by July 2027.

Google warns of privacy and security risks

Google has strongly criticized the European Union’s decision. In a public statement, Kent Walker, the company’s President of Global Affairs, argued that the new rules could weaken Android’s existing privacy and security protections.

Walker said the measures “risk undermining vital privacy and security guardrails for millions of Europeans.” He also claimed regulators had ignored Google’s evidence regarding potential user harm and warned that opening Android more extensively could increase security risks for consumers.

Google further argued that forcing the company to share search data could create broader security concerns, including potential national security implications.

Interestingly, Apple has previously expressed concerns over similar proposals, warning that requiring technology companies to open their platforms too broadly could negatively affect user privacy. At this stage, Google has not confirmed whether it will legally challenge the European Union’s decision, although the company’s response suggests it may contest the new requirements.

With legally binding deadlines now in place, the coming months are expected to shape how AI assistants compete on Android across Europe. If the changes proceed as planned, Android users in the EU could soon enjoy far greater choice when selecting their preferred AI assistant, while rival developers gain access to platform features that have historically been more tightly controlled.