“BRUSSELS. Google will be required to grant competing artificial intelligence providers—such as ChatGPT or Claude—full access to its Android smartphone operating system. This move aims to give users the freedom to choose between Google’s own Gemini service and other AI options for key functions. The European Commission made this ruling based on the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
The decision allows users, for instance, to activate other assistants via direct voice commands. Currently, voice commands like "Hey Google" work only with Gemini. Users will also be able to employ their preferred AI assistants to book taxi or Uber rides via apps, obtain information about locations, or seek answers to specific queries within chat apps.
According to the Commission, the goal is to ensure consumers have the freedom to choose which assistant to use for specific tasks, rather than being "tied" to Gemini. After all, each service has its own strengths and weaknesses. EU officials emphasize the significance of this decision, noting that activating AI assistants is increasingly becoming the primary entry point for smartphone usage.
Google’s Android runs on 60 percent of all smartphones.
Therefore, keeping access open to third-party providers is considered crucial.
However, both users and third-party providers will have to wait a while before this takes effect. Although the Commission's decision is binding, it does not come into force until July of next year. Until then, Google can continue to grant its own service preferential access to Android.
The Commission acknowledged that opening Android to other AI services requires changes to the programming code, a process that takes time. Nevertheless, the Commission anticipates that its relatively early intervention can nevertheless ensure that genuine competition emerges in the market for AI assistants.
There is also another hurdle. Google can restrict access for third-party providers if there are concerns that user data or system security are at risk. Google can also take legal action against the decision.
The Commission opened the DMA proceedings against Google earlier this year. The EU law, which came into force at the end of 2021, aims to curb the market power of major tech companies and foster greater competition. The DMA allows the Commission to intervene if platforms like Google deny competitors access to their platforms.
Apple, the other major provider of smartphone operating systems, is also currently at odds with the Commission over its AI assistant, Siri. Citing the DMA, the Commission is demanding that Apple also open its operating system to other providers. Consequently, the company postponed the launch of its AI assistant on iPhones and iPads in the European Union in early June.
Apple justifies its refusal to allow other AI assistants by arguing that doing so would compromise the privacy of European users. According to the Commission, the company had requested an 18-month exemption from the EU rules, but this was rejected. It was stated on Thursday that the Google case differs from the Apple case in that Google already has a product on the market; changing this overnight is not feasible.
The Commission issued a second decision against Google under the DMA. This requires the company to share data from its search engine with other search providers starting in early 2027. The decision stipulates, among other things, that AI chatbots with search capabilities must be granted access to this data. Furthermore, Google must—in anonymized form—pass on [data] that it uses to optimize its own search services. Specifically, this concerns information regarding the most frequently searched terms or click counts.
According to the Commission, the decision stipulates a "fair formula" for calculating the price of the shared data, as well as a transparent procedure for accessing it. The Commission argues that no competitor can pose a threat to the US corporation as long as Google does not share its data.” [1]
1. Google muss Android öffnen: Freigabe für KI-Chatbots anderer Anbieter auf Smartphones. Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung; Frankfurt. 17 July 2026: 26. hmk.
Komentarų nėra:
Rašyti komentarą