On July 18, 2026, the European Union issued a formal order requiring Google to open its Android operating system to rival artificial intelligence assistants. The decision, announced by the European Commission, aims to increase competition in the mobile AI market.
Under the order, Google must allow third-party AI services, such as voice assistants and chatbot features, to operate on Android devices with equal access to system functions. This includes the ability to set rival AI assistants as default options, a practice previously restricted by Google's licensing terms.
The EU's action follows a preliminary investigation that found Google's practices may violate the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which targets anti-competitive behavior by large technology platforms. The Commission stated that the move is intended to foster innovation and consumer choice in the rapidly evolving AI sector.
Google has not yet publicly responded to the order. The company has 30 days to comply or face potential fines of up to 10% of its global annual revenue. This development marks a significant step in the EU's ongoing efforts to regulate big tech's influence over emerging technologies.
