The European Commission today formally ordered Google to give third-party AI services access to Android device features similar to Gemini. Europe’s Digital Markets Act requires software makers such as Apple and Google to provide equivalent interoperability for third-party apps and services, and the EC is enforcing this.
Siri AI will not be available in the European Union when iOS 27 is released due to DMA interoperability rules. While Apple tried to forge an agreement with regulators before launching its “Siri” AI in Europe, Google did the opposite. Instead of asking questions, Google chose to initiate Gemini integration on Android and deal with the consequences afterwards. Google’s strategy provides Android users in Europe with full access to Gemini while working towards DMA compliance.
The European Commission has given Google a full year to implement changes that meet the requirements of the Digital Markets Act, before Google can file a legal appeal.
The European Commission is making many of the same demands against Google as it has against Apple. Google needs to give AI apps access to the following 11 features:
- AI services should be accessible through voice commands such as “Hey Google” or access points such as the home button or another launch button.
- AI services must be able to complete actions within and across apps, such as completing long-running tasks in the background.
- For AI to provide proactive services and anticipate user needs, Google needs to give AI services access to context from apps and device sensors.
- Google must provide AI apps with sufficient hardware and software resources, including access to on-device AI models to perform their tasks.
Google has until August 1, 2027 to implement most of the European Commission’s changes.
Immediately after announcing the Siri AI, Apple said that EU regulators would not accept the proposed solution to introduce this feature, refusing to engage with options that would “protect privacy and security.” Apple wanted to use Trusted System Agent, which would allow third-party virtual assistants to securely access the same device features as “Siri” AI.
Apple said the Digital Markets Act would require it to give AI systems “almost unrestricted access to users’ devices” and the ability to act autonomously based on that information.
The European Commission argued that Apple had “failed to develop an interoperability solution that meets important EU privacy and security standards” and instead sought a blanket exemption from interoperability requirements, which the EC did not grant.
In response to the EC’s order, Google said the requirement “risks undermining important privacy and security guardrails for millions of Europeans.” Google has not released any information about its next steps, but says it will “continue to advocate for a balanced approach that protects privacy and security while supporting our market goals.”
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