EU Orders Google to Open Android Features to Rival AI Assistants by 2027

BRUSSELS — The European Commission has ordered Alphabet Inc.'s Google to grant rival artificial intelligence assistants access to critical Android operating system features, including the microphone, camera, screen content, wake words, and background execution capabilities. The mandate, issued on July 17, requires compliance by August 2027 under the bloc's Digital Markets Act (DMA).

The regulatory action targets Google's position as a designated "gatekeeper" in the digital market. EU officials determined that restricting access to these specific hardware and software functions created an uneven playing field, effectively blocking competitors from developing AI assistants capable of matching Google Assistant's functionality on Android devices.

Under the new rules, third-party developers will be permitted to utilize wake-word detection systems without requiring users to open a dedicated app. Competitors must also be allowed to run processes in the background and access real-time screen data to interpret user actions, mirroring the privileges currently held by Google's native assistant. The order explicitly covers microphone and camera inputs, ensuring rival AI tools can process voice commands and visual cues with the same latency and reliability as the incumbent.

The decision stems from enforcement efforts under the DMA, which aims to prevent dominant tech firms from leveraging their control over essential digital infrastructure to stifle competition. By mandating these technical openings, the Commission seeks to foster a more diverse ecosystem of AI tools within the European Union, allowing consumers greater choice in how they interact with their mobile devices.

Google has not yet publicly detailed its specific implementation strategy for meeting the August 2027 deadline. The company faces significant engineering challenges in restructuring Android's security architecture to allow external applications deep system-level access while maintaining user privacy and device stability. Historically, Google has argued that such restrictions are necessary to protect users from malware and ensure a consistent experience across millions of devices.

The ruling represents one of the most stringent technical mandates issued under the DMA since its enforcement began in 2024. Unlike previous fines or behavioral orders, this directive requires fundamental changes to how the Android operating system interacts with third-party software at the kernel level.

Industry observers note that while the deadline provides Google ample time for development, the complexity of integrating rival AI assistants into the core OS without compromising security remains a significant hurdle. Questions persist regarding whether other gatekeepers in the tech sector will face similar mandates to open their ecosystems. Furthermore, it remains unclear how manufacturers outside the EU might respond if they choose not to adopt these changes on devices sold globally.

The Commission stated that non-compliance could result in fines of up to 10% of a company's global annual turnover and recurring penalties for each day of delay.