Google must open Gemini interfaces to the competition.

The European Commission today launched two formal clarification procedures to compel Google to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The investigation focuses on the deep system integration of Google's AI services, such as Gemini, into the Android operating system.

Android monopoly in sight: Equal opportunities for third-party AI providers

The Commission demands that Google grant third-party AI service providers the same effective access to hardware and software capabilities that the company reserves for its own services. This is intended to prevent Google from using its gatekeeper power to stifle competition in the rapidly evolving AI landscape on mobile devices.

Search data sharing: Fuel for competing AIs

In parallel, Google will be required to regulate access to its valuable search data.. Providers of AI chatbots and competing search engines must be granted access to anonymized ranking, query, and click data under fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) conditions.. This should allow competitors to optimize their own services and offer users genuine alternatives to Google search..

The most important impacts at a glance:

• Android opening: Third-party developers must be able to interact with features controlled via Android free of charge and effectively in the future in order to achieve parity with Google's own services such as Gemini.

• Data sharing: Google needs to adjust the scope and anonymization method of its search data so that AI chatbot providers can use it effectively.

The Commission plans to complete the procedures within six months, with initial drafts of concrete measures expected within three months..