Alphabet (GOOGL, Financials), the technology company behind Google Search, Android, YouTube and the Gemini AI assistant, will have to give competing AI and search providers greater access to its services under new European Union requirements.
The European Commission said Google must open 11 Android features to rivals such as OpenAI. That could allow users to activate another AI assistant by voice and use it to search for information, book a taxi or complete other tasks now closely tied to Google's own services. Those Android changes are expected to reach users in July 2027.
Google will also have to share certain anonymized search data with competing search engines and AI chatbots beginning in January. The rules include safeguards that allow Google to review companies for cybersecurity and privacy risks before granting access.
Google criticized the decision, warning that broader access could weaken protections for users. EU regulators disagree. They say the measures could help smaller services compete with Google Search and Gemini.
For investors, the rules may make Android less of a closed ecosystem and could create new pressure on Google's search and AI businesses.