Google’s Gemini Nano AI deal with Samsung on EU antitrust radar

EU seemingly investigating if Google’s Gemini AI deal with Samsung violates antitrust law. Regulators of the European Union seeking input from industry to know if Samsung’s Gemini AI deal constitutes anti-competitive conduct.

An EU document seen by Reuters indicates that the Commission wants the opinion of industry officials. The inquiry is about whether Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series with Gemini Nano would limit the pre-installation of rival AI chatbot platforms.

The query also includes whether Gemini Nano limits interoperability with other chatbots and apps on the Galaxy S24 series. Details are also required if there were any cases of failure in signing contracts with phone makers to pre-install AI chatbots.

“EU antitrust regulators are asking industry participants if Google’s multi-year generative artificial intelligence (AI) deal with Samsung hinders rival chatbots on Samsung smartphones.” – Reuters.

Earlier, EU competition authorities hinted at an antitrust investigation into Samsung and Google’s AI deal. The Commission’s Deputy Competition Commissioner asked to “understand the impact of pre-installing Google’s Gemini Nano on Samsung devices.”

The report notes that the executive committee distributed an 8-page questionnaire, with a response required by this week. Samsung and Google may be in trouble if the EU Commission observes any anti-competitive practices.

The Galaxy S24 series is the first to use the Gemini Nano AI model developed by Google. Both companies signed a multi-year partnership to fuel future products with the AI model. The Pixel 8 Pro also came pre-installed with Gemini Nano for on-device AI capabilities.

Samsung also brought Gemini AI to Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6 devices. Google is also preparing to introduce the Pixel 9 series next month, equipped with Gemini Nano. Apple is also in close-door talks with Google to include Gemini in iPhone models.