Executive Summary
The European Commission ordered Google to give rival AI assistants the same Android access Gemini has, camera, microphone, screen, a wake word and the ability to drive other apps, by Android 18 and August 2027.
What Happened
The European Commission on Thursday ordered Google to give rival AI assistants the same reach into Android that Gemini already has: the camera, the microphone, whatever is on screen, a wake word that fires with the display off, and the ability to drive other apps in the background by imitating taps and typing. Google has to ship it in the next major release, Android 18, and by 1 August 2027 at
Affected Products
- Android
- Google Gemini
Vulnerability / Attack Technique
Not applicable (regulation)
Technical Mechanism
The article covers a regulatory order, not a vulnerability.
AI Security Category
LLM06:2025 Excessive Agency
Part of the AI Agent Excessive Agency topic.
Relevant Frameworks
RealGround Analysis
More assistants will get deep device access. RealGround analysis: mobile device policies need rules for which assistants may hold these permissions.
Recommended Controls
- Define allowed AI assistants on managed Android devices
Related RealGround Service
Secure AI Agent Build · or start with the free AI Agent Security Scanner.
Sources
thehackernews.com: https://thehackernews.com/2026/07/eu-orders-google-to-open-android-mic.html
Summary and analysis written by RealGround from the source above; last updated 2026-10-18.