EU Forces Google to Open Android to Rival AI and Share Search Data in Landmark Digital Markets Act Ruling

Jul 16, 2026
Ars Technica
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Summary

The EU is forcing Google to open Android to rival AI platforms and share search data with competitors under landmark Digital Markets Act rulings, with deadlines set for 2027, as Google warns the mandates threaten user privacy, security, and national security for millions of Europeans.

Key Points

  • The European Commission officially announces binding Digital Markets Act measures forcing Google to open Android to competing AI platforms and share search data with rival search providers in the EU.
  • Google must allow third-party AI assistants deeper system-level access on Android by July 2027 and begin sharing search data with competing firms for a reasonable fee by January 2027.
  • Google pushes back hard against the rulings, with global affairs president Kent Walker warning the decisions threaten user privacy, security, business trade secrets, and national security for millions of Europeans.

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