Brussels, January 27, 2026 — The European Commission has opened two specification proceedings to guide Google’s compliance with key obligations under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), focusing on interoperability within the Android ecosystem and access to online search data for rival providers.
The proceedings formalize the Commission’s regulatory dialogue with Google and aim to clarify how the company should meet its obligations under Articles 6(7) and 6(11) of the DMA. The Commission stressed that the opening of the proceedings does not prejudge whether Google is currently compliant with the DMA.
Interoperability for AI Services on Android
The first set of proceedings concerns Google’s obligation to ensure free and effective interoperability for third-party developers with hardware and software features controlled by the Android operating system. In particular, the Commission is examining features used by Google’s own artificial intelligence services, including Gemini.
According to the Commission, the proceedings will specify how Google should provide third-party AI service providers with access to the same Android features available to Google’s own services. The objective is to ensure that competing AI providers have equal opportunities to innovate and compete on smart mobile devices in the rapidly evolving AI market.
The Commission emphasized that effective interoperability is necessary to prevent gatekeepers from leveraging control over operating systems to favor their own services.
Access to Google Search Data
The second set of proceedings relates to Google’s obligation to grant third-party providers of online search engines access to anonymized ranking, query, click, and view data generated by Google Search. The Commission will assess issues including the scope of data to be shared, anonymization methods, access conditions, and whether AI chatbot providers should be eligible to receive the data.
The Commission stated that meaningful access to a useful dataset on fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory terms would enable alternative search providers to improve their services and offer users credible alternatives to Google Search.
Next Steps and Timeline
The Commission plans to conclude both proceedings within six months. Within three months, it will communicate its preliminary findings to Google, outlining draft measures intended to ensure effective compliance with the DMA. Non-confidential summaries of those findings and proposed measures will be published to allow third parties to submit comments.
The Commission noted that the proceedings are without prejudice to its enforcement powers, including the ability to adopt a non-compliance decision and impose fines or periodic penalty payments if warranted.
Background
Google was designated a gatekeeper under the DMA in September 2023 for several core platform services, including Google Search, Android, and Google Play. The company has been required to comply fully with applicable DMA obligations since March 7, 2024.
Source: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_26_202
