EU Forces Google to Open Android Microphone, Camera and Screen Access for Rival AI Assistants

The European Union has ordered Google to provide competing AI assistants with the same level of access to sensitive Android resources that is currently reserved for Gemini. The ruling covers eleven system functions, including voice activation, home button integration, background execution, and on-device AI model access. Rival assistants will also gain real-time environmental data streams from the microphone, camera, screen, and speakers under identical consent and notification rules applied to Google services. Additional capabilities include cross-app interaction, messaging, scheduling, device settings control, and multi-step task automation. Screen automation will allow assistants to operate apps inside a virtual window while the user performs other activities. Most changes are scheduled for Android 18 by 1 August 2027, while simultaneous activation of multiple assistants by voice keyword will arrive in Android 19 no later than 1 August 2028. Access to the most sensitive functions may require objective security certification and explicit user authorization.

BoletimSecJuly 21, 2026Translated from Portuguese

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The European Union has directed Google to grant competing AI assistants equivalent access to sensitive Android resources, including the microphone, camera, and screen content. The decision aims to ensure that third-party services receive the same capabilities currently available to Gemini.

The measures encompass eleven core system functions such as voice-command activation, home-button invocation, background execution, and direct access to on-device AI models. Alternative assistants will be able to use these resources without being set as the default service.

Environmental data access will provide real-time streams from the microphone, camera, screen, and speakers. All releases must follow the same consent and notification standards that apply to Google’s own services.

AI tools will also be permitted to interact with other applications, send messages, schedule appointments, adjust device settings, and execute multi-step tasks. Screen automation will enable assistants to open applications inside a virtual window and simulate taps and typing while the user continues other activities.

The majority of these changes are required to ship in Android 18 by 1 August 2027. Simultaneous activation of multiple assistants via voice keywords will be implemented in Android 19, with a final deadline of 1 August 2028.

Every function will remain subject to explicit user authorization. For particularly sensitive operations such as screen automation, system integration, and centralized app-data queries, Google may impose objective security and certification requirements.

Google Android Gemini

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