What happened
The European Commission provided Google with guidance on opening its Android operating system and Gemini AI services to rival AI developers and search providers, under the Digital Markets Act. This follows a three-month specification proceeding aimed at ensuring Google grants competing AI services access to core Android capabilities currently reserved for Gemini. Google's Senior Competition Counsel, Clare Kelly, criticised the intervention, stating it would remove device maker autonomy, mandate sensitive hardware access, increase costs, and compromise user privacy and security. Third parties have until May 13 to submit feedback, with a final decision expected by July; breaches can incur fines up to 10 per cent of annual global sales.
Why it matters
Access to Android's core functionalities will expand the operational scope for competing AI services, directly impacting platform engineers and AI developers. This mechanism, driven by Digital Markets Act compliance, aims to reduce Google's control over mobile AI integration, potentially lowering barriers for new entrants. This follows earlier instructions for Google to provide rival search engines, including AI chatbots, access to its search data, indicating a broader regulatory push to standardise interoperability and data access across its dominant services.
