EU's Digital Markets Act Forces Google to Share Search Data and Open Android to Rival AI Assistants

Summary

The European Commission has issued legally binding 'specification measures' under its Digital Markets Act (DMA) requiring Google to fundamentally reshape two core business areas: search and Android. Google must now share search data with competing search providers at reasonable fees—granting rivals access to performance metrics and usage information that has been central to Google's search dominance. Simultaneously, Google must open Android to third-party AI assistants, ending Gemini's preferential position as the only AI with deep system integration, hot-word activation, and automation capabilities.

The EU's rationale centers on competition and consumer choice. Currently, 60% of EU Android users lack realistic alternatives to Gemini because competing AI assistants cannot match Gemini's system-level features. By forcing open access, the Commission aims to level the playing field and reduce Google's gatekeeper control. Google has strongly opposed both measures, with company president Kent Walker warning that they 'risk undermining vital privacy and security guardrails' and could expose users to privacy risks by allowing third-party AI systems deeper device access.

As a designated 'gatekeeper' under the DMA, Google has no legal recourse to refuse compliance. The measures are enforceable, though the Commission indicated openness to modifying data anonymization requirements. This escalates Europe's aggressive regulatory stance on Big Tech, following similar fines and restrictions imposed on Apple, Meta, and others since the DMA's March 2024 implementation.

• Reflects escalating EU regulatory pressure on Big Tech following the 2024 Digital Markets Act implementation