EU regulators demand Google open Android's AI features to rival chatbots like ChatGPT and Claude

The European Union's competition watchdog issued draft findings requiring Google to give competitors equal access to AI tools built into Android phones, the operating system that powers roughly 70% of smartphones globally. This enforcement action falls under the EU's Digital Markets Act, which treats Google as a 'gatekeeper' company that must not unfairly favor its own products.

Currently, Google integrates its own AI assistant into Android and can prioritize it over alternatives. Under the new rules, ChatGPT, Claude, and other AI chatbots would receive the same technical access and prominent placement on Android devices, removing Google's advantage from owning the platform itself.

For everyday users: you'd get genuine choice between AI assistants on your phone instead of Google's being pre-favored. For ChatGPT and Claude makers: they could compete directly with Google's AI on equal footing, potentially making their tools more available and competitive. For Google: it faces either compliance costs or significant fines if it refuses.