EU orders Google to open Android to rival AI and search engines under new rules
The European Commission has formally outlined requirements for Alphabet's Google to provide access to its services for competing AI assistants and online search engines, as part of efforts to enforce the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The move, announced on Wednesday, aims to curb the dominance of Big Tech by ensuring fair competition.
Under the new rules, Google must allow rival AI assistants—such as OpenAI's ChatGPT—to access key Android features that are currently exclusive to Google's own Gemini assistant. Additionally, competing search engines will be able to integrate with Android's search functionalities on more equal terms.
The European Commission opened a specification proceeding six months ago to detail how Google should comply with the DMA, which came into effect last year. The latest decision sets out concrete obligations, including the need for Google to provide third-party app stores and alternative billing systems on Android.
Google has criticised the requirements, warning of potential risks to user privacy and security. Kent Walker, Google's president of global affairs, said in an email: “Today’s decisions risk undermining vital privacy and security guardrails for millions of Europeans.” The company has previously argued that the DMA's demands could force it to compromise on data protection.
The Commission, however, maintains that the changes are necessary to foster competition and innovation. It has given Google a deadline of six months to implement the required changes, or face potential fines of up to 10% of its global annual revenue.
The DMA applies to so-called “gatekeeper” platforms—large digital companies with significant market power. Google is one of several gatekeepers, alongside Apple, Amazon, and Meta, that are subject to the rules. The EU has already opened similar proceedings against Apple over its App Store policies.
