BRUSSELS, July 17, 2026 — The European Union has ordered Google to make sweeping changes to its search engine and Android operating system, requiring the technology giant to share certain search data with competitors and give rival artificial intelligence services greater access to Android devices.

The measures, announced by the European Commission under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), are designed to curb Google’s market dominance and create a more competitive digital marketplace across the European Union. The Commission said the changes will allow consumers to choose from a wider range of search engines and AI assistants while giving smaller technology companies a fairer opportunity to compete.

Search Data to Be Shared

Under the new requirements, Google must provide qualifying rival search engines with access to anonymised search data that helps improve the quality and relevance of search results.

European regulators believe that Google’s exclusive access to vast amounts of search information has given the company a significant competitive advantage for many years. By requiring data sharing, officials hope competitors will be able to develop more effective search services and accelerate innovation.

The new rules are expected to begin taking effect from January 2027.

Android Must Open Up to AI Rivals

The Commission has also instructed Google to make Android more accessible to competing AI assistants.

Under the decision, users will be able to choose alternative AI services that can perform many of the same functions currently available through Google’s own assistant, including voice activation, background operations and integration with device features.

The changes are expected to be implemented from July 2027, giving Google time to modify the Android ecosystem to comply with the new rules.

EU Seeks Greater Competition

European officials said the measures are intended to prevent dominant digital platforms from limiting consumer choice or blocking innovation.

The Digital Markets Act gives the European Commission powers to impose obligations on large technology companies designated as “gatekeepers,” requiring them to ensure fair access to their platforms and services.

Officials argue that opening Android and sharing search-related data will encourage competition, stimulate innovation and provide consumers with more alternatives.

Google Raises Privacy Concerns

Google criticised the Commission’s decision, warning that mandatory data sharing could create privacy and cybersecurity risks.

The company argued that providing search data to third parties could expose sensitive information and potentially weaken protections for users.

Google also expressed concern that opening Android’s core functions to competing AI services could affect device security and system integrity.

However, the European Commission said safeguards will be put in place to ensure that only eligible competitors receive access and that privacy protections remain intact. Google will also be allowed to assess applicants for potential cybersecurity risks before granting access.

Part of Broader Big Tech Regulation

The latest directives form part of the European Union’s broader effort to regulate the world’s largest technology companies.

In recent years, Brussels has introduced a series of competition and digital market rules aimed at reducing the influence of dominant online platforms and encouraging a more open digital economy.

The Digital Markets Act has already required major technology firms to make changes to app stores, online advertising, messaging services and digital marketplaces. The latest measures extend those obligations to artificial intelligence and internet search.

Potential Impact on the Technology Industry

Industry analysts say the decision could significantly reshape competition in both internet search and artificial intelligence.

Smaller AI developers and search providers may gain access to tools and system capabilities that were previously available only to Google’s own services, potentially accelerating innovation across the sector.

At the same time, the ruling is expected to intensify the ongoing debate between regulators and technology companies over how to balance competition, innovation, privacy and cybersecurity.

As implementation deadlines approach, Google and the European Commission are expected to continue discussions over the technical details of compliance, with the outcome likely to influence digital regulation well beyond Europe.