EU forces Google to share search and Android data with AI rivals

What happened?

On July 16, 2026, the European Commission (EC) announced two specification decisions under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) that directly affect Google. The first requires Google to allow third-party artificial intelligence (AI) assistants to access key Android functionalities on equal terms with Gemini, Google's native assistant. The second demands that Google share the data it collects to optimize its search engine with other search engines and AI services, after anonymization.

These decisions do not determine whether Google has violated the DMA, but rather clarify the specific obligations it must fulfill as a gatekeeper. The EC argues that the measures aim to "rebalance the playing field" and offer European users more choices in both AI services and search.

Why is this important?

Google controls over 90% of the search market in Europe, and Android is the dominant mobile operating system with nearly 70% global market share. Google's ability to restrict access to its data and operating system features has been identified as a barrier to competition. With these decisions, the EU aims to open both ecosystems, allowing rivals like Bing, DuckDuckGo, or AI assistants like Alexa or Siri to compete on equal footing.

For users, this could mean more choices of AI assistants on their phones and better search services. For tech companies, especially AI startups, it represents an opportunity to access data that was previously exclusive to Google, potentially accelerating innovation.

Immediate and long-term consequences

For Google

Google has reacted harshly. Kent Walker, President of Global Affairs at Google and Alphabet, stated that the decisions "risk weakening the privacy and security of millions of Europeans." The company argues that sharing search data would expose users' private information and that granting access to sensitive Android functions to third-party assistants could compromise device security. However, the EC has stipulated that Google may impose objective and non-discriminatory conditions to ensure privacy, security, and integrity.

Google also noted that AI assistants can already access Android capabilities if device manufacturers (OEMs) allow it, but the EC considers this insufficient to guarantee interoperability.

For competitors and startups

Companies like Microsoft (Bing, Copilot), Amazon (Alexa), and DuckDuckGo could benefit directly. AI startups developing virtual assistants would also have the opportunity to integrate more deeply into Android, potentially reducing Gemini's advantage. In search, competitors could improve their algorithms using the same data as Google, potentially narrowing the quality gap.

For users

In theory, European users will be able to choose their default AI assistant on Android, activate it by voice, and allow it to perform actions in apps. They could also benefit from better search results on alternative engines. However, privacy concerns remain: how will data be anonymized? Will users give explicit consent? The EC requires anonymization, but Google doubts its effectiveness.

Regulatory context

These decisions are part of the EU's offensive against big tech under the DMA. Google has already been fined multiple times for anti-competitive practices (over €8 billion in recent years). The DMA, in effect since 2023, sets specific obligations for gatekeepers like Google, Apple, or Meta. The EU has already opened investigations into Google for potential non-compliance in areas such as self-preferencing.

Today's decision is not a sanction but a specification of what Google must do to comply. If it fails, it could face fines of up to 10% of its global annual turnover.

Industry reactions

The Chamber of Progress, a tech advocacy group partly funded by Google, has criticized the decision for ignoring privacy risks. On the other hand, consumer associations and competition advocates have applauded the measure as a necessary step to reduce Google's dominance.

Some analysts point out that the real challenge will be implementation: ensuring effective data access without compromising privacy, and that AI assistant interoperability does not degrade user experience or system security.

What readers should know

• The decisions are binding, and Google must comply within a timeframe the EU will determine shortly.
• Shared search data must be anonymized, but Google questions the effectiveness of anonymization.
• Rival AI assistants will be able to be activated by voice and perform actions in apps, but Google can set security requirements.
• The measure applies only in the European Union but could set a precedent for other jurisdictions.
• Google can appeal the decisions to the European Court of Justice, which would delay implementation.

"The European Commission is forcing Google to open its most valuable ecosystems, but the battle over privacy and security is just beginning," notes an analyst from TheVortiq.

Conclusion

The EU has taken a bold step to dismantle Google's control over search and AI on mobile devices. While the pro-competitive intentions are clear, the privacy and security risks are real and must be carefully managed. The final outcome will depend on technical implementation and Google's willingness to cooperate. For now, the EU's message is unequivocal: gatekeepers must share power.