EU to Block Google from Keeping Gemini Exclusive to Android

The European Commission is preparing to issue specific mandates to Google on how it must open Android to competing AI assistants, escalating a regulatory battle that could determine whether artificial intelligence becomes the next form of platform lock-in or the first to be dismantled before it takes hold. EU regulators are set to detail exactly what Alphabet must do to comply, signaling a major shift in how the bloc enforces digital competition.

At the heart of the dispute is Gemini, Google’s flagship AI assistant, which the company has kept exclusive to Android devices. Critics argue this creates an unfair advantage, stifling innovation and limiting consumer choice. The European Union, leveraging the Digital Markets Act (DMA) , intends to force Google to allow rival AI assistants equal access to Android’s core functionalities, including default status and system-level integrations.

This move represents a significant escalation in the EU’s ongoing scrutiny of Big Tech. Previously, regulators focused on search engines and app stores. Now, they are turning their attention to the emerging AI landscape, aiming to prevent a repeat of past monopolistic behaviors. The Commission’s forthcoming directives are expected to outline technical and business requirements for Google, potentially including how users can select alternative assistants during device setup.

For Google, the stakes are enormous. Gemini is central to its AI strategy, and forced openness could undermine its competitive edge. For the broader tech industry, this case sets a precedent: will AI platforms be open ecosystems or walled gardens? The EU’s decision, expected in the coming months, will send a clear signal to other tech giants developing proprietary AI assistants. The outcome will not only reshape Android but also define the rules of engagement for the next generation of digital services.