E.U. Orders Google to Open Android Mic, Camera and Screen to Rival AI Assistants
Summary
The European Commission ordered Google to give rival AI assistants the same access to Android device features that Google's own Gemini assistant has, including the camera, microphone, screen contents, and the ability to control other apps in the background. Google must implement this by August 1, 2027, in Android 18, with some features (like always-on voice detection) delayed to Android 19 by August 1, 2028. The order also requires Google to share anonymized search data with competing search engines and AI chatbots for a cost-based fee.
Solution / Mitigation
Google must create a Qualified AI Assistant Programme that uses independent Trusted Certification Authorities (TCAs) to certify third-party AI assistants for access to restricted features, and must accept these certifications without adding extra conditions. Google can set reasonable and non-discriminatory terms for the TCA programme but must get Commission approval two months before any changes. For the six unrestricted features (microphone input, hotword detection, camera, screen contents, location, and sensors), Google cannot decide who is allowed to access them, though it can require process isolation and encryption. Google can request the Commission move a feature to the restricted list by filing a reasoned request showing good cause.
Classification
Affected Vendors
Related Issues
Original source: https://thehackernews.com/2026/07/eu-orders-google-to-open-android-mic.html
First tracked: July 17, 2026 at 08:01 AM
Classified by LLM (prompt v3) · confidence: 92%