BRUSSELS, 27 January 2026, 14:03 CET
- The European Commission has launched two proceedings to clarify how Google should meet essential obligations under the Digital Markets Act.
- One focuses on ensuring Android interoperability with third-party AI services; the other aims to secure access to Google Search data under FRAND terms.
- Brussels expects the process to conclude in six months, aiming to deliver draft measures within three.
On Tuesday, the European Commission launched two “specification proceedings” targeting Alphabet’s Google, pushing for adherence to the EU’s Digital Markets Act. These probes zero in on Android access for AI services and the rules around data sharing linked to Google Search.
This shift is crucial as search and mobile AI rapidly merge, with the EU pushing smaller companies to tap into the same foundational tools that power the biggest platforms. Brussels is also doubling down on the DMA, treating it less as a caution and more as an enforceable rulebook.
Google faces challenges involving two key assets it closely protects: the features it controls on Android and the query and ranking signals behind Search and its AI offerings. Competitors claim that without access to these, “choice” is little more than a slogan.
The first case deals with Google’s obligation under Article 6(7) of the DMA to provide “free and effective interoperability.” This means third-party apps and services must integrate smoothly with key Android hardware and software, including Google’s AI service Gemini. The second case focuses on Article 6(11), which mandates Google share anonymised ranking, query, click, and view data from Google Search on “FRAND” terms—fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory. It also examines whether AI chatbot providers qualify for this data access. 1
EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen explained the move aims to guarantee third-party search engines and AI providers receive the “same access” to search data and Android features as Google’s own apps. Clare Kelly, Google’s senior competition counsel, countered that “Android is open by design” and that Google is already licensing Search data under the DMA. She cautioned, though, that additional rules might harm “user privacy, security, and innovation.” Meanwhile, EU competition chief Teresa Ribera emphasized the intent is an “open and fair” market, not one skewed in favor of the “largest few.” 2
The Commission aims to wrap up the proceedings in six months. Preliminary findings should be out in three months, alongside non-confidential summaries for third-party feedback.
Brussels emphasized that the process alone doesn’t determine whether Google is compliant. Authorities can still go after the company later with non-compliance rulings, fines, or ongoing penalty payments.
The key question is how the Commission defines the mechanics: what qualifies as “equally effective” access on Android, the methods for anonymising search data, and the rules for rivals granted access. Google plans to argue that expanding data sharing poses privacy and security risks, whereas complainants will probably demand larger and faster access to datasets.
The proceedings stop short of a full investigation but increase the EU’s pressure on Google, as regulators also probe the company’s use of online content to train AI models and power its services, the Associated Press reported. 3
The DMA gives the Commission authority to fine companies up to 10% of their global annual turnover, increasing to 20% for repeat offenses. It can also levy periodic penalty payments, according to the Commission’s DMA explainer. 4
At the moment, the Commission is crafting the rulebook within the rulebook: outlining specific steps, seeking feedback from competitors, and then defining exactly how Google must demonstrate “compliance.” Industry observers will be paying close attention to see if these guidelines prompt actual product changes or spark yet another cycle of legal and technical battles.
