It's official: EU will force Google to share search data and open up AI on Android
Ars Technica AI · Ryan Whitwam · 2026-07-16
The European Commission issued legally binding DMA specification measures requiring Google to open Android's AI system access to competing platforms and share search data with rivals, directly targeting Gemini's preferential device-level integration.
Extraction
Topics: eu-regulationdigital-markets-actgoogle-androidai-competitionantitrust
Claims
- The European Commission issued legally binding DMA 'specification measures' covering Google's Android AI access and search data sharing.
- Gemini currently has exclusive system-level access on Android including hot-word activation, app automation, and screen content reading unavailable to competitors.
- Google must open these Android AI capabilities to competing AI platforms under the new measures.
- Google argues the DMA measures undermine user privacy and security, but as a designated gatekeeper it has no option to refuse.
Key quotes
as a 'gatekeeper' under the DMA, Google has no choice but to comply
Gemini is preloaded on all Google-certified Android phones and can wake up in response to the 'Hey Google' hot word.
Google claims they will undermine privacy and security.