The European Union has renewed its pressure on Google open the Android ecosystem to competing AI assistants on equal terms with Geminiciting requirements under the Digital Markets Law. The EU specifically seeks access from rivals such as ChatGPT and claudius to Android services like voice activation, which Gemini currently accesses through deeper system-level integration.
In January 2026, the EU opened a formal investigation that gives Google six months comply before a full investigation is launched. As the deadline approaches, the EU has reiterated its demands without confirming whether Google has made enough progress toward compliance.
Google’s position and the political context
Google has disputed the EU’s description of the situation. In a statement, senior competition advisor Clare Kelly explained that Android is inherently open and noted that Google is already licensing search data to competitors under the DMA. The company has not announced any plans to change the way third-party AI assistants access Android system features.
Google has faced multiple regulatory conflicts with EU authorities, resulting in significant fines in the past. The current issue remains unresolved and both sides are standing firm, according to reports from The Malaysian Reserve.
US President Donald Trump has publicly criticized the EU’s regulatory approach towards US technology companies, adding a geopolitical element to the situation. The outcome of the EU proceedings is still unclear, and neither Google nor the EU have announced any steps beyond the current six-month compliance period.
