The European Union has told Google to open up its AI-powered services on Android devices to third-party developers, a move the tech giant has denounced as an "unwarranted intervention" in its business.
The demand, which stems from ongoing antitrust scrutiny of Google's Android ecosystem, targets the tight integration of Google's AI features, such as voice assistants and machine learning tools, with the operating system. EU regulators argue that this gives Google an unfair advantage and stifles competition.
"Android is an open platform, but we have designed it to provide a consistent user experience and ensure security," a Google spokesperson said. "Requiring us to open up AI functionalities would harm that experience and is unnecessary. The marketplace already offers many choices."
The EU's move is part of a broader initiative to rein in the power of Big Tech, focusing on ensuring fair competition and giving users more control over pre-installed services. This is not the first time Google has clashed with EU regulators; the company has previously faced record fines for antitrust violations related to Android.
Industry observers note that the outcome could set a precedent for how AI is integrated into mobile platforms, potentially reshaping the landscape of digital services. Google has vowed to contest the decision, calling it a disproportionate measure.