EU forces Google to open Android to Gemini competitors

The European Commission is requiring Google to open Android to Gemini’s competitors. This will make it possible to activate third-party AI assistants by voice and even use them to carry out actions within Android apps.

The European Commission is beginning to examine the artificial intelligence market. As part of a recent investigation, it required WhatsApp to allow Meta AI competitors onto its platform. Brussels also wants to ensure that Google does not use Android to favour its Gemini assistant over other AI chatbots, such as ChatGPT or Claude. Under the Digital Markets Act, which regulates major digital companies, Brussels has announced “binding specification measures” setting out in precise terms the steps Google must take to comply with the rules.

Android must open its AI assistant features to Gemini competitors

Regarding artificial intelligence, the EU is requiring Google to make its Android platform accessible to third-party AI chatbots. In other words, Gemini’s rivals must have access to the same Android capabilities as Google’s own assistant. The measures imposed by the EU could be a game-changer for users who choose not to use Google’s AI on its operating system.

“The decision adopted today will enable users to activate their preferred AI assistant using voice commands, similar to the ‘Hey Google’ command,” Brussels said. That is not all: the European Commission’s statement also says that “users will be able to use third-party AI assistants to perform actions in apps on their behalf. For instance, they will be able to delegate tasks such as booking a taxi, receive suggestions for relevant replies in chat apps, or ask the AI assistant about a recently visited place.”

Google has a deadline to implement the measures

Unfortunately, users will need to wait a little longer before benefiting from the changes announced by the European Commission. Although the specification decision is legally binding, Google has been given time to comply. Brussels says Android smartphone users should begin receiving the new benefits from July 2027.

According to Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, the European Commission’s new decisions “will help smaller competitors, search engines or AI assistants to compete and offer this choice, while protecting users’ privacy.”

Google must also share search data with rivals

Alongside the Android changes, the Commission has announced a decision requiring Google to share anonymised search data with competitors of Google Search. “The aim of the second set of specification measures is to level the playing field by giving third-party search engines access to search data that only Google Search can collect at scale,” the Commission said.

Google has already responded and continues to defend its position. “Today’s decisions risk undermining essential privacy and security safeguards for millions of Europeans. We have repeatedly proposed solutions to protect users while meeting the DMA’s objectives, but these decisions ignore substantial evidence of user harm,” a Google representative quoted by Reuters said.