European regulators launched formal proceedings against Google in late January 2026, demanding the company grant competing AI services equal technical access to Android's hardware and software features. The European Commission's two specification proceedings target Google's compliance with the Digital Markets Act, Europe's flagship competition rulebook for large tech platforms.
The first proceeding focuses on Android interoperability requirements. Brussels wants third-party AI developers to integrate with Google's mobile operating system using the same technical functions available to Google's own Gemini service. This includes access to hardware capabilities and software features controlled through Android.
A second proceeding addresses search data sharing obligations. The Commission will examine what types of search data Google must provide to competitors, including anonymized ranking, query, click, and view information. Regulators will also determine whether AI chatbot providers should receive this data under DMA rules.
"Millions of Europeans rely daily on online search engines, and increasingly on AI services," said Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy at the European Commission.
The proceedings aim to ensure third-party providers enjoy equivalent access to search data and Android features as Google's own services.
Google responded that Android operates as an open platform by design.
The company expressed concern that additional rules driven by competitor complaints could compromise user privacy, security, and innovation."We're already licensing search data to competitors under the DMA," said Clare Kelly, Google's senior competition counsel.
The Commission plans to complete both proceedings within six months. Preliminary findings will reach Google within three months, with non-confidential versions published for third-party feedback. If Google fails to comply, the company faces potential fines up to 10% of global revenue under DMA penalty provisions.
The EU's action follows earlier enforcement moves against Google and Apple for alleged Digital Markets Act violations. Brussels believes effective compliance could help rival search engines develop genuine alternatives to Google Search by optimizing their services using shared data.
These proceedings represent Europe's latest regulatory push in the AI sector under its broader DMA framework. The Commission previously announced plans to consider artificial intelligence in its scheduled DMA review, expected by May 2026.
Google continues to face separate DMA investigations, including a probe launched in March 2024 examining whether the company favors its own services. The tech giant maintains it works cooperatively with European regulators while questioning the regulatory approach.
