EU orders Google to open Android and search data to rivals under DMA

Commission imposes binding measures under DMA

The European Commission has issued two sets of binding measures that clarify Google’s obligations under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The decision aims to level the playing field for artificial intelligence services and third‑party search engines across the European Union. Czech business daily e15 and Czech tech site Živě.cz report that Google disagrees with the ruling and warns of risks to user privacy and security.

Android functions opened to AI rivals

The first set of measures requires Google to grant AI competitors access to eleven key Android functions. This will allow rival assistants to use the same system capabilities as Google’s own Gemini service. Users will be able to activate a competing assistant by voice command, similar to the existing “Hey Google” trigger, for tasks such as ordering a taxi or searching for information. The changes must be deployed from July 2027 in the next Android version. According to e15, access will be limited to competitors that meet defined security and privacy requirements.

Search data sharing for third‑party engines

The second set of measures obliges Google to provide third‑party search engines with anonymised data collected by Google Search. The shared data must exclude personal identifiers, preserving baseline privacy protections. The intention is to improve the search algorithms of rivals, including OpenAI and other chatbots equipped with web search features. The Commission states that the measures will support the emergence of new alternatives to Google Search and the Gemini model, expanding choice for EU users.

Industry reaction and implications

Google responded that the measures could weaken fundamental privacy and security safeguards for millions of Europeans. Kent Walker, the company’s legal chief, told Reuters that the decision “overlooks extensive evidence that they could harm users.” Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice‑President of the Commission for technological sovereignty, emphasised that the challenge now is to encourage developers to take advantage of the new opportunities. Živě.cz notes that the move is a direct response to DMA rules designed to break the exclusive position of Gemini on Android and ensure users can choose among different AI models.

For firms that integrate AI into their products, the ruling means access to Android functions and anonymised search data from July 2027, which will facilitate the development of alternative assistants and search engines. At the same time, they must meet strict security and privacy‑oriented criteria, increasing the demands for audit and data management in line with European regulations.