EC Ordered Google to Ensure Better AI Competition on Android

The European Commission ordered Google to ensure that rival AI platforms can compete better with the company’s services on Android. The body also laid out data-sharing requirements for its search engine.

The EC stated that the measures fall under its Digital Markets Act and are the result of a six-month probe against the company to ensure compliance with the legislation. In the field of AI, the EC noted competing AI assistants currently have only restricted access to key functions on the current Android OS. This means that those systems are not competing on an equal footing with Google’s own services, which have full access. As a result, third-party AI assistants are 60% less attractive to EU users who have an Android device, the EC said.

The Commission stated that the measure would allow users to activate their preferred AI assistant via voice commands. Third-party users would also be able to employ AI assistants to perform actions in apps on their behalf. The EC also included safeguards to ensure privacy, device integrity and security. In total, it will open 11 features on Android to rival AI companies.

Google is also required to share data it collects from its search services with rivals, allowing for the development and optimisation of third-party search engines. The EC stated that the move would create a more level playing field with Google Search. However, it will be allowed to assess whether rivals pose cybersecurity and data protection risks before opening data to them. The EC stated the measure provides a fair formula to calculate the price of the shared data. Google is required to begin implementing the search measures by January 2027 and the changes to Android from July 2027.