Google and Apple are resisting new European Union requirements designed to give rival AI assistants deeper access to smartphones across the bloc. Key Points: Google must broaden Android acces
Google and Apple are resisting new European Union requirements designed to give rival AI assistants deeper access to smartphones across the bloc.
- Google must broaden Android access for third-party AI agents by July 2027.
- Apple has delayed its new Siri assistant in the EU, citing privacy concerns.
- Regulators say safeguards can protect users while increasing competition.
The European Commissionwants Android users in the EU to activate competing AI agents by voice and let them operate apps with permissions similar to Google’s Gemini. The mandate falls under the Digital Markets Act, the bloc’s competition rules for large technology platforms.
Google must begin sharing certain search data with rival search engines and AI chatbot providers in January, while broader Android access is due by July 2027.
The commission says the changes should expand consumer choice and help smaller services compete.
The dispute covers a large market. Research firm Omdia estimates that about 427 million Android phones and iPhones are subject to EU rules, while the two platforms together operate on roughly 5 billion active phones worldwide.
Google argues that outside assistants would need sensitive device permissions that could expose personal information and business data. Kent Walker, president of global affairs at Google and parent company Alphabet, also said mandatory search-data sharing could create privacy and national security risks.
Also Read:Rooney Called FIFA's Halftime Show "Crap", But Kalshi Traders Bet On Every Song
Apple has raised similar objections and said the rules could require it to provide virtual assistants with direct access to private user data. The company said in June that it would not release its new Siri AI assistant on iPhones and iPads in the EU under the current framework.
Privacy specialists acknowledge that deeper operating-system access creates genuine risks, particularly when assistants can read messages, track location, view screens or use microphones. However, Calli Schroeder of the Electronic Privacy Information Center said technology companies’ objections deserve scrutiny when privacy arguments also protect their market position.
The commission says designated gatekeepers can build security and privacy controls while complying with the law. Omdia analyst Runar Bjorhovde said the changes could strengthen OpenAI because ChatGPT is already installed on about 30% of EU smartphones.
The conflict extends a long-running EU effort to reduce the power of dominant digital platforms.
The Digital Markets Act took effect in 2023 and has increasingly shifted competition policy from app distribution toward control of AI services embedded in mobile operating systems.
Read Next:Vitalik Buterin Builds Private Aztec Billboard With AI Moderation
