On 16 July, the European Commission adopted two binding decisions setting out how Google must comply with the requirements of the Digital Markets Act regarding Android and Google Search. The company must open up 11 operating system functions to compatible third-party AI assistants and grant competitors access to specified anonymised search data. The changes will come into effect in 2027.
Briefly about the main points
- The European Commission has adopted two binding decisions concerning Google under the DMA.
- Third-party AI assistants will gain access to 11 Android features.
- Google Search data will be made available to competitors from January 2027.
- Changes to Android for users are expected from July 2027.
- Google has highlighted risks to privacy and security.
Two solutions for Android and Google Search
The European Commission’s decisions do not constitute a fine or a specific finding of an infringement. They set out the procedure for implementation in detail Google. obligations which, for certain of the company’s services, will apply under the Digital Markets Act from 7 March 2024.
The first decision concerns the compatibility of AI services with Android. Google is to grant rival AI assistants access to 11 operating system functions. According to information According to Reuters, this should allow users to activate a third-party assistant using a voice command such as «Hey Google» and ask it to carry out tasks, such as searching for places or booking a taxi.
The second decision sets out the rules governing third-party access to data Google Search. This refers to anonymised data on rankings, search queries, clicks and page views. The terms of access must be fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory; the methodology also sets out a pricing formula.
When will the new rules come into force?
Access to search data is set to begin in January 2027. Third-party AI assistants are expected to gain access to the new Android features for users from July 2027 — alongside the next version of the operating system.
The difference in the timetable means that search competitors may be the first to gain access to this powerful tool, whilst the change in the choice of voice assistant on mobile phones will come later. This is based on the set deadlines and does not constitute an assessment of the prospects for specific companies.
Access will not be unconditional
Google will be able to screen potential participants for cybersecurity and data protection risks. Competitors who meet the privacy and security criteria will be granted access to Android’s features.
The European Commission has also provided for the anonymisation of search data and a paid access mechanism. The decision therefore does not provide for the transfer of all data or system functions to any applicant without due process and restrictions.
The rules do not apply solely to traditional search engines. The Commission points out that AI chatbots with search functions may also be eligible for access. Reuters reported that OpenAI, however, the European Commission has not designated the company as a guaranteed recipient of access: applicants’ eligibility will be determined in accordance with the established procedure.
The positions of Google and the European Commission
Google’s President for Global Affairs Kent Walker stated that the decisions could undermine the privacy and security mechanisms that the company described as vital for millions of Europeans. According to him, Google had proposed alternative approaches that would combine the requirements of the DMA with user protection.
The European Commission takes a different view. The Vice-President Teresa Ribera said that the decision should help smaller AI assistants and search engines to compete, whilst safeguarding privacy. The Vice-President of Engineering Genn Virkkunen linked the new rules to greater choice for users in the EU.
What barriers is the DMA seeking to reduce?
The specifications target two distinct restrictions on Google’s competitors: the deep integration of its own assistant with Android, and access to a vast array of data that can be used to improve search results. At the same time, the requirements regarding security, anonymisation and access conditions suggest that the regulator is attempting to balance competition with restrictions on the use of user data.
The European Commission launched proceedings concerning these measures on 27 January 2026. In April, it published draft requirements and held consultations, after which it adopted the final specifications on 16 July.
