The Open Markets Institute Europe applauds today’s decision by the European Commission forcing Google to open Android to rival AI services and share Google Search data with competitors. Without these orders, the 60% of Europeans who use an Android device would be locked into Gemini as their only system level AI assistant, and Google would continue to leverage its overwhelming monopoly over search data to gain an unfair advantage over its competitors in AI development.
„Google is building a monopoly machine – transforming its search data monopoly and operating system chokehold into market dominance in AI. This order will empower users to break free of Gemini, and competitors to develop better competing products,” said Max von Thun, Director of Open Markets Institute Europe. “US tech giants should not be allowed to exploit their monopoly power to dominate Europe’s AI future, enroach on digital freedoms, and shut out European rivals. Technology is moving too fast for cautious enforcement. Swift, decisive action like this is needed to keep the market open and protect innovation, choice, privacy, competition and European sovereignty.”