Google Ordered to Give A.I. Rivals More Access on Android Smartphones
The decision by European Union regulators is a response to fears that Google will use its vast Android user base to gain an edge in A.I.
European Union regulators have ordered Google to give rival A.I. companies greater access on Android smartphones, according to a report from The New York Times Technology. The decision is aimed at reducing the risk that Google could use its large Android presence to secure an advantage in the fast-growing artificial intelligence market.
The move reflects mounting concern among European officials that Google’s control over Android, which powers a large share of the world’s smartphones, could influence how consumers discover and use A.I. tools. By requiring broader access for competitors, the regulators appear to be pushing for a more level playing field on mobile devices, where distribution can be just as important as technical capability.
The report was based on a monitored public feed and identified the case as involving Google Inc. It did not provide additional details on the scope of the access changes or the timeline for implementation. Still, the decision signals that regulators in the European Union are paying close attention to how major technology companies may leverage existing platforms to strengthen their position in emerging A.I. services.
For Google, the ruling adds another layer of regulatory pressure in Europe, where the company has faced ongoing scrutiny over competition, platform power and digital market practices. Android is central to Google’s mobile ecosystem, and any requirement to open parts of that system to competitors could affect how third-party A.I. products are distributed or integrated on smartphones.
The broader concern behind the ruling is that A.I. competition may not be shaped only by model quality or computing power, but also by access to users. A company with a dominant mobile operating system may be able to place its own tools in front of consumers more easily than rivals can, potentially reinforcing its market position before competition has a chance to develop fully.
The New York Times Technology report said the European Union’s action was driven by fears that Google could use its extensive Android user base to gain an edge in A.I. No further specifics were included in the feed summary about any formal penalties, technical requirements or responses from Google.
Source: New York Times Technology - https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/16/technology/google-android-ai.html
