Broadcasters Seek Gatekeeper Status for Android TV’s 23% EU Market Share
European broadcasters urged the EU to designate Google’s Android TV— which grew from 16% to 23% market share between 2019 and 2024— as gatekeeper under the Digital Markets Act. They also demanded DMA oversight of Google Assistant and other AI virtual assistants, warning of their de facto control over media distribution.
1. Broadcasters Push for Gatekeeper Designation
The Association of Commercial Television and Video on Demand Services in Europe called on the European Commission to classify Google’s Android TV as a gatekeeper under the Digital Markets Act, citing growth from 16% to 23% market share between 2019 and 2024. Broadcasters argue that gatekeeper status would impose obligations on platform access and ensure fair competition in smart TV ecosystems.
2. Regulatory Oversight for Virtual Assistants
Broadcasters warned that AI virtual assistants like Google Assistant currently lack DMA designation, creating a regulatory void that allows these services to control media content distribution on smart speakers, in-car systems and mobile devices. They urged the Commission to extend gatekeeper obligations to these assistants to guarantee contestability and prevent ecosystem lock-in.