EU tells Google to open up AI on Android; Google says "unwarranted intervention"

Choose your AI adventure EU tells Google to open up AI on Android; Google says that’s “unwarranted intervention” Gemini gets preferential treatment on Android, but maybe not for long (in Europe). Ryan Whitwam – Apr 27, 2026 4:03 pm | 36 Credit: Ryan Whitwam Credit: Ryan Whitwam Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav In January, the European Commission began an initial investigation, known as a specification proceeding, into how Google has implemented AI in the Android operating system. The results are in, and the EU says Android needs to be more open, which is not surprising. Meanwhile, Google says this amounts to “unwarranted intervention,” which is equally unsurprising. Regardless of Google’s characterization of the investigation, the commission may force Google to make Android AI changes this summer. This action stems from the continent’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), a sweeping law that designates seven dominant technology companies as “gatekeepers” that are subject to greater regulation to ensure fair competition. Google has consistently spoken against the regulations imposed under the DMA, but it and the other gatekeepers have been subject to the law for several years now, and there’s little chance the commission backs away from it. The issue before the commission currently is the built-in advantage for Gemini on Android. When you turn on any Google-powered Android phone, Gemini is already there and gets special treatment at the system level. The European Commission is taking aim at the lack of features available to third-party AI services. The commission believes that there are too many experiences on Android that only work with Google’s Gemini AI, and as a gatekeeper, Google must change that. “As we navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of AI, it is clear that interoperability is key to unlocking the full potential of these technologies,” said Commission VP for Tech Sovereignty Henna Virkkunen in a statement. “These measures will open up Android devices to a wider range of AI services, so that users will have the freedom to choose the AI services that best meet their needs and values, without sacrificing functionality.” The commission does have a solid track record pushing for openness so far. Since the DMA came into force, Google has been required to make numerous changes to its business in Europe, like implementing search choice screens on Android, allowing alternative payment methods in the Play Store, and limiting data sharing across services. Now, the EU wants Google to make the Android platform more hospitable to third-party AI services. Google’s objection focuses on preserving the autonomy for device makers (including Google) to customize AI services. “This ​unwarranted intervention would strip away that autonomy, mandate access to sensitive hardware and device ​permissions; unnecessarily driving up costs while undermining critical privacy and security protections for European users,” said Google senior competition counsel Claire Kelly. EU rules could mean more AI, not less Just because Gemini is preinstalled on virtually every Android phone doesn’t mean you have to use it. You can easily install ChatGPT or Grok and turn to that chatbot when the need arises. However, these apps won’t have the same access to data and features as Gemini. The commission cites a few examples where Gemini is the only route, like sending an…

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