The European Commission is demanding Google open its Android operating system to third-party AI services, challenging Gemini's preferential treatment. This action, rooted in the Digital Markets Act (DMA), aims to foster fair competition by ensuring alternative AI assistants have system-level access and features comparable to Google's own.
Gemini currently enjoys exclusive system-level access for features like proactive suggestions on many Android phones. Regulators propose enabling third-party AIs to be invoked system-wide, access screen context, and utilize local models. Google objects, arguing these mandates would undermine user privacy, security, and increase costs. The commission may finalize its decision by July 27, with potential penalties up to 10% of global annual revenue for non-compliance.