Google Constrained by the EU: Android and Data at Stake

Brussels Imposes Drastic Measures on Google

On July 16, 2026, the European Commission took significant action against Google under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The American giant is now required to open its Android operating system to AI assistants from competitors and to share certain data from its search engine. These decisions aim to rebalance the online search and artificial intelligence market in Europe, directly impacting Google's business model.

Android Accessible to Competing AIs

One of the key measures requires Google to allow third-party AI assistants to access essential features of Android, just like its own assistant, Gemini. This means that users will have the freedom to choose which AI assistant can access their data and interact with their device's hardware. This openness will enable Android smartphone and tablet users to utilize assistants like ChatGPT, Claude, or Perplexity for various daily tasks, such as making reservations, obtaining information about visited places, or interacting with installed applications. Google has a year to implement this major change to Android, which will require a significant system update.

Google has expressed concerns regarding device security, emphasizing that opening up to external applications could compromise security by granting sensitive permissions without sufficient safeguards.

Data Sharing from Search

The second measure requires Google to share, in a regulated manner, the data collected by Google Search with competing search services and AI chatbots. According to Article 6(11) of the DMA, this sharing must be completed by January 2027, under fair and non-discriminatory conditions. The data involved, which will be anonymized, includes search result rankings, user queries, as well as clicks and page views. Competitors will need to compensate Google for the use of this data, which is essential for improving their own search results and developing next-generation systems.

For European engines like Qwant and Ecosia, access to this data is crucial for providing privacy-respecting alternatives and challenging Google's dominance in the market.

Deadline and Implications for Google

Google must comply with these new obligations by January 2027 for data sharing, and has one year to open Android to third-party AI assistants. These measures are part of a broader strategy aimed at reducing Google's dominant position, which holds nearly 90% of the European search market. Although the DMA specification process is faster than a traditional investigation, it does not allow for direct fines to be imposed. However, in case of non-compliance, Google could face sanctions of up to 10% of its global revenue.

Reactions and Perspectives

Henna Virkkunen, Vice President of the Commission for Digital Affairs, expressed hope that these measures will allow alternatives to Google Search and Google's AI services, such as Gemini, to emerge. Google, through Kent Walker, President of Global Affairs, criticized these decisions, stating that they could undermine essential privacy and security safeguards for millions of Europeans. In contrast, Qwant and Ecosia welcomed this decision as historic and urged Google to implement it without delay.

Ecosia's Position

Wolfgang Oels, CEO of Ecosia, praised the European Commission's decision, emphasizing that only behavioral or structural measures can correct monopoly situations. The standoff between Brussels and Google continues, with the possibility of a new fine for Google under the DMA, following a sanction of €2.95 billion imposed last September for abuse of dominant position in online advertising.