EU Proposes Android AI Access Changes With €9.5B Penalty Risk; California Bill Defeated
EU regulators propose Digital Markets Act changes requiring Google to open Android AI features to rivals or face a probe and fines beyond €9.5 billion. A California bill banning platform self-preference was defeated after Google and other tech firms lobbied effectively, easing short-term US regulatory risks.
1. EU Android AI Proposal Details
The European Commission has outlined Digital Markets Act measures that would require Google to grant third-party AI services the same access to Android’s core features now used by its Gemini system. Regulators have warned that failure to comply could trigger a formal investigation and additional fines beyond the nearly €9.5 billion levied in past competition cases.
2. California Antitrust Bill Defeat
State Senator Scott Wiener’s Based Act, designed to bar platforms from favoring their own services, was halted on April 20 after coordinated lobbying by Google and other technology firms. Opponents argued the measure would harm consumer experience and impose heavy compliance burdens, reducing immediate regulatory threats to Google’s search and advertising operations in the US.