EU Orders Google to Open Android and Gemini to Rival Services Under Digital Markets Act

Gate News message, April 28 — The European Commission on April 27 proposed measures requiring Google to grant competing search and AI services access to Android and Gemini capabilities under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The regulator noted that Google currently reserves certain Android features exclusively for Gemini.

The proposed changes would enable rival AI tools to integrate with Android apps for functions including email, food ordering, and photo sharing. Google opposed the plan, arguing it would limit device makers' control and could increase costs while weakening privacy and security protections. The Commission will accept feedback until May 13 and is expected to decide on Google's compliance by end of July; non-compliance could result in fines up to 10% of annual global revenue.

This action reflects the EU's shift toward prescriptive enforcement. In 2017, Google was fined €2.4 billion over its shopping service after directing over 99% of Shopping Unit clicks to its own merchants, largely excluding rival comparison services. The current specification aims to prevent similar competitive advantages in AI and data access.