EU Orders Google to Open Android to Rivals

The European Commission has set out the measures Google must take under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), requiring the company to open parts of Android and its search data to rivals, including AI developers such as OpenAI.

The changes will allow users to activate AI assistants other than Google's Gemini through voice commands. The new requirements are due to take effect in July 2027.

From January next year, Google will also have to share anonymized data used to improve its search services with rival AI chatbots and competing search engines.

The company will still be able to verify that applicants meet cybersecurity and data protection standards. Google criticized the decision, arguing that the new rules could undermine user privacy and security.

The Commission said the measures are intended to boost competition and give EU users a wider choice of search and AI services.

(Reuters, mja)