Overview
- The European Commission issued two binding DMA decisions on Thursday that require Google to provide anonymized search signals to eligible rivals and to open 11 Android system features so third‑party AI assistants can access the same device functions as Google’s own services.
- Google must begin sharing anonymized ranking, query, click and view data by January 2027 and roll out most Android interoperability so users benefit by July 2027 with some advanced hotword features scheduled for 2028.
- The Commission requires multi‑layered anonymization, independent audits, eligibility and security checks and lets Google screen applicants for cybersecurity or data‑protection risks before granting deeper access.
- Google has publicly warned the mandates risk user re‑identification, device security and national security, while the Commission says the orders balance competition goals with privacy and integrity safeguards and can be enforced with fines for non‑compliance.
- Regulators view the steps as a direct attempt to erode Google’s data and platform advantage and spur rivals and innovation, and the orders build on the DMA gatekeeper designation and past EU antitrust actions against Google.