EU Pressures Google to Open Android to Gemini Rivals

Technology giant Google has again come under pressure from the European Union (EU), this time over its AI Chatbot Gemini.

In what the EU sees as an intentional act by Google to subdue rival AI apps through its Android dominance, the union has asked that it allow competitors access to the Android ecosystem on the same terms as Gemini. 

Citing rules tied to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), the union notes that competitors like ChatGPT and Claude could be granted deeper access to Android services, such as voice activation. 

EU seeks fair competition as Google stresses Android is ‘open by design’

In January this year, the EU demanded that Google allow other AI companies to get the same level of access to Gemini as it has on Android. 

This is to facilitate a fair competition among these companies. The bloc opened a proceeding which it says should wrap in six months, giving Google enough time to comply.

The company has, however, expressed concerns about the EU demand and, in a statement from its Senior Competitor Counsel, Clare Kelly, said that “Android is open by design.” 

Reitering Google’s compliance with the DMA, Kelly added that the company is “already licensing Search data to competitors under the DMA.”

With just months left in the grace period, the EU has reignited its pressure on the tech giant, prompting it to comply before launching a formal probe.

But with Google’s continued pushback, there is a chance the probe will stand. While the outcome can’t be predicted, the company isn’t exactly a stranger to how these processes can end.

Google, like many other big tech firms, has at some point faced regulatory conflicts with EU watchdogs, culminating in fines totaling millions. It’s unclear at this point what the outcome will be.

US President Trump opposes EU’s approach as Google seems to remain confident in its standing

There is no confirmation that Google will comply with the EU’s request. And right now, it looks less likely, given how much of an ask Google sees it as. 

US President Donald Trump has also strongly opposed the EU regulatory approach towards US tech companies.

For now, the matter remains unresolved, with both sides holding firm as the deadline draws near. The Malaysian Reserve also notes that both parties have declined to make further comments. 

If you’re still learning about Google Gemini and all it offers, check out our complete guide to the AI system and how to use it in your workflows and daily life.