EU regulators order Google to share Gemini AI features with rivals

On January 26, 2026, the European Commission opened formal specification proceedings against Google under the Digital Markets Act to define compliance measures. Under Article 6(7), one proceeding requires interoperability. It grants third-party developers free access to Android hardware and software features used by Google's AI services, including Gemini. Under Article 6(11), a second proceeding requires Google to share anonymized Search data on fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms. That data includes ranking, query, click, and view metrics for rival search engines and AI chatbot providers. The Commission will issue preliminary findings and draft measures within three months and conclude the full process within six months. It will publish non-confidential summaries to invite third-party comments. The goal is to ensure rivals have equivalent access to the data and features used by Google services like Gemini and Google Search.

Why It Matters

• Android developers gain mandated access to the same OS hardware and software features Google uses, reducing engineering work to match Gemini-like capabilities.
• Rival search and AI firms will receive anonymized Search signals (ranking, query, click, view) on FRAND terms, enabling safer model training without large-scale scraping.
• IT and product teams should audit integrations with Google Cloud AI and Android APIs and prepare for changes to access controls, endpoints, and potential pricing impacts.
• Procurement and legal teams should track the Commission's measures and update contracts and compliance plans to leverage new data and feature access.