The European Commission issued binding decisions on July 16 requiring Google to provide rival AI assistants access to Android features and to share anonymized search data with third-party search engines and AI chatbots. Under the first decision, Google must allow competing AI services to use 11 features of Android, enabling them to perform tasks such as booking taxis and receiving messaging replies through voice commands.
The changes must be implemented with Android 18 by August 1, 2027, while support for concurrent wake-words will be required by August 2028. Google is also obligated to publish draft eligibility terms for sensitive capabilities by February 2027 and begin accepting applications from rival developers by May 2027.
The second decision mandates that Google share anonymized data it utilizes to enhance its search services with eligible third-party search engines and AI chatbots, effective January 2027. This data-sharing will employ a multi-layered anonymization framework, a pricing model, and a vetting process focused on cybersecurity risks before granting access to applicants.
The Commission aims to rebalance the competitive landscape, as Google has a significant control over search data that rivals cannot match. Google’s Android president Sameer Samat criticized the new regulations, asserting that the Commission is “on the wrong track” and expressing concerns that the changes could compromise user privacy and security.
Google contends that users already have the ability to switch between assistants on their devices. While the decisions are binding, they do not include fines. However, the Commission can impose penalties of up to 10% of Google’s global annual turnover for non-compliance.
