The European Commission has announced that it will soon outline steps to compel Google to allow third‑party AI assistants to access key Android features, a move that follows the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and is expected to be finalized by July 27, 2026. Bloomberg reported the announcement on April 23, 2026, after the Commission opened formal specification proceedings under the DMA in January 2026.
Under the proposed measures, Google would be required to provide competitors with access to voice‑activation controls, search‑tool integration, and other Android functionalities that its own Gemini assistant currently uses. Google has argued that Android is “open by design” and that it already shares search data with rivals, but the Commission’s goal is to enforce interoperability and data access to level the playing field for AI developers.
The regulatory action could erode Google’s competitive moat by diluting the advantage of its tightly integrated AI ecosystem. A formal decision would also expose Google to potential fines—an EU fine of nearly €9.5 billion was imposed in a prior competition case—and could force costly changes to its platform architecture. Google has warned that opening the platform could compromise user privacy, security, and innovation, highlighting the tension between regulatory objectives and corporate safeguards.
For competitors such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta, the decision would provide a clearer path to embed their AI assistants more deeply into Android, potentially expanding their market share and reducing dependence on Google’s proprietary services. The move could also spur broader competition in the AI assistant market, encouraging innovation and offering consumers more choice.
The Commission’s specification proceedings are still in the consultation phase, with a public review period underway. The final decision is scheduled for July 27, 2026, but the Commission is expected to publish its outline of required steps in the coming weeks, marking a significant milestone in the EU’s enforcement of the DMA.
The broader implications of this action extend beyond Google. The EU’s approach may set a precedent for other large technology platforms, including Apple, which is also navigating DMA obligations related to AI assistants. The outcome will likely influence how global tech firms structure their AI ecosystems and could reshape competitive dynamics in the industry.
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