The European Union has issued a critical directive to Google, setting a six-month timeline for the tech giant to adhere to the stipulations of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This mandate focuses on ensuring that rival artificial intelligence (AI) tools can operate on the Android platform without facing unnecessary technical barriers.
Under the new regulations, Google is also obligated to provide competing search engines with access to online search data under fair conditions. EU officials are expected to share preliminary findings with Google within three months, as part of an ongoing review process aimed at enforcing compliance.
The European Commission has initiated two distinct proceedings targeting Google”s practices related to Android and AI search data access. The overarching goal of these actions is to eliminate obstacles that hinder the integration of third-party AI solutions on Android devices and to ensure equitable data sharing practices among search engine competitors.
EU Competition Chief Teresa Ribera articulated the Commission”s intent, emphasizing that the aim is to assist Google in understanding how to comply with the law while fostering a competitive environment for AI search innovation. This initiative follows previous warnings directed at major tech corporations deemed as gatekeepers.
While Google has expressed willingness to collaborate with regulators, the company has raised concerns regarding the potential implications of the DMA requirements. Clare Kelly, Google”s senior competition counsel, noted that such regulations might compromise user privacy, security, and innovation, suggesting that they could be influenced more by competitor grievances than by consumer interests.
To meet the new requirements, Google must demonstrate that its Android ecosystem allows for the seamless integration of third-party AI tools. Furthermore, the company needs to ensure that search competitors can access online data on reasonable terms. Should Google fail to comply, the EU may escalate the situation into a formal investigation, which could lead to financial penalties.
The current regulatory framework permits fines of up to 10% of a company”s global annual revenue, although the EU has seldom imposed the maximum penalty. The ongoing review of Android practices is primarily focused on ensuring that rival AI tools can function without facing undue limitations, alongside the stipulations for data sharing.
This regulatory scrutiny is part of a broader examination of Google”s business practices within the EU, which includes investigations into whether the company prioritizes its own services in search results and how it manages its Play Store ecosystem. Additionally, regulators are examining claims that Google restricts app developers from promoting cheaper alternatives outside of its platform.
As part of its wider DMA review, the European Commission is also looking into AI oversight, with expectations for a comprehensive report by May 2026. This move marks a significant step in the EU”s efforts to regulate tech giants and promote a fair digital marketplace.
