The European Union has issued two decisions forcing Google to open its Android ecosystem and Search data to competitors, including rival AI assistants like ChatGPT and Claude. Google has until January 2027 to comply for the Search data sharing part, while for Android the deadline is July 2027. The Mountain View company has strongly criticized the measures, calling them a risk to user privacy and security.
Mandatory sharing of Search data with chatbots and alternative engines
The European Commission has ruled that Google, as a "gatekeeper" under the Digital Markets Act, must make its Google Search data available to other search services and, for the first time, to AI chatbot assistants such as OpenAI and Microsoft. This means third-party companies will be able to access the data Google collects from user searches, one of the pillars of its advertising dominance. Google must set up a sharing system by January 2027, ensuring adequate anonymization. However, the tech giant warns that exposing private search data of Europeans to unfamiliar companies without their explicit consent could compromise individual privacy, trade secrets, and even national security.
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Android opens to rival AI assistants, Google criticizes security concerns
The other decision concerns the Android mobile operating system. The EU demands that Google offer rival AI assistants the same level of access that Gemini, the pre-installed assistant, currently enjoys. Gemini can interact with other apps, control hardware like the camera, and run continuous listening with "Hey Google". Competitors like ChatGPT or Claude do not have such deep access. Google argues that allowing external apps to obtain sensitive permissions without verification from phone manufacturers threatens device security. The company cites a warning from the EU cybersecurity agency: "security fundamentals matter more than ever in the age of AI".
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Google has emphasized that AI assistants can already access Android capabilities safely, with manufacturers playing a key role in vetting them. The new regulation, according to Google, would weaken existing protections. This is not the first time the EU has targeted Google: previous antitrust action had imposed similar openings. Also, Cohere recently promoted full enterprise AI control, emphasizing data sovereignty for businesses.
Implications for competition and user privacy
The EU decisions represent a significant step toward greater competition in the digital market, but raise questions about personal data protection. While Google's rivals, such as OpenAI and Microsoft, could benefit from broader access, European users may see their search data shared with more parties. Google stated that the measures "risk undermining vital privacy and security guardrails for millions of Europeans." The company said it will continue dialogue with authorities to find a balance between openness and protection.
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For more context on the regulatory framework, refer to the Wikipedia page on the Digital Markets Act, which outlines rules for digital gatekeepers. It remains to be seen whether Google will implement the changes by the deadlines and how this will affect the experience of Android and Search users.
Source: https://9to5google.com/2026/07/16/eu-dma-google-search-data-android-access-decisions
