FSFE urges EU to force Google to allow Android AI uninstalls

Android users in the European Union may soon gain the ability to remove artificial intelligence features from their devices without the software reinstalling itself. This potential change addresses a growing concern about platform control and user autonomy. The Free Software Foundation Europe has formally requested that the European Commission enforce stricter rules on Google. Their submission argues that current practices prevent users from fully managing their operating systems.

Group demands strict rules against silent AI reinstallation

The organization submitted this consultation to the European Commission under the Digital Markets Act. They specifically demand that Google permit the complete uninstallation of AI tools on Android. The FSFE warns that these features often reinstall silently after removal. This behavior limits the control users have over the software they run on their devices.

A central point of the FSFE argument involves the requirement for developer verification. The group contends that interoperability features must not be tied to Google account registration or identity checks. Lucas Lasota, the FSFE Legal Programme Manager, stated that rules must be clear and inclusive to prevent gatekeepers from circumventing regulations. He emphasized that interoperability needs to become a concrete reality for users.

Google intends to launch Android Developer Certification in September 2026. This new program will require developers to register their identities with the company. The FSFE claims this mandatory registration creates surveillance and retaliation risks. Developers operating in non-democratic regions could face serious consequences for disclosing their identities to a private corporation.

The FSFE highlights that free software developers often operate outside of Google's ecosystem. For these groups, forced identity verification is particularly problematic. The submission urges regulators to decouple interoperability rights from developer verification procedures. This separation aims to protect developers from potential surveillance and retaliation while ensuring open access to Android features.