The European Union has intensified its push to promote competition in the technology sector by ordering Google to share key search data and Android features with artificial intelligence rivals, including OpenAI. The move comes under the bloc’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), a landmark regulation designed to curb the dominance of major technology companies and create a more level playing field for emerging competitors.
According to the European Commission, Google will be required to open 11 Android operating system features currently used by its Gemini AI platform to rival AI developers. The decision is expected to give users greater flexibility by allowing alternative AI assistants to perform tasks through voice commands, such as searching for information, booking transportation, and managing everyday activities. These changes are scheduled to be introduced in the next version of Android starting in July 2027.
The commission also directed Google to provide access to anonymised search data that helps improve its search engine services. The data will be made available to OpenAI and other AI-powered search competitors beginning in January 2027. EU officials believe the measure will encourage innovation and help smaller players develop more competitive search and AI products while ensuring a transparent framework for data access and pricing.
Henna Virkkunen, the European Union’s Executive Vice-President for Technological Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, said the initiative is aimed at giving consumers more options in the rapidly evolving AI and search markets. She expressed hope that the measures would encourage the growth of alternatives to Google Search and Gemini, ultimately providing European users with a wider range of digital services and experiences.
Google, however, has strongly criticised the decision, warning that the requirements could weaken important privacy and security protections for millions of users across Europe. Kent Walker, the company’s President of Global Affairs, argued that Google had proposed alternative solutions that would meet regulatory goals without compromising user safety. Despite the company’s concerns, the EU remains committed to enforcing the Digital Markets Act, marking another significant step in its efforts to reshape competition in the global technology and artificial intelligence industries.
source: The cable
