Swiss Regulator Reviews Google’s Removal of Android Search Choice Screen
Swiss competition regulator COMCO is reviewing Google's removal of the Android search choice screen over potential competition concerns.
SociapaHQ
Google is facing new regulatory attention in Switzerland after the country’s competition watchdog opened a preliminary probe into changes to the Android device set-up process that automatically sets Google Search as the default search engine.
Reuters reported that the Swiss Competition Commission (COMCO) is investigating Google’s removal of the search engine selection screen it displayed to Android users setting up new devices in Switzerland.
In the old system, users could pick from a variety of search engines to select a default. Google Search is now the default in Switzerland with the choice screen no longer available, COMCO said.
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Competition Concerns:
The regulator said default settings can have a big effect on consumer behaviour and competitiveness, as users are less likely to change pre-selected services. It says that the removal of the choice screen could make it harder for rival search providers to interact with users during the initial setup of their devices.
“COMCO added that Android users in the European Economic Area (EEA) still see the search engine choice screen and wondered why Swiss users are being offered a different experience given the country’s close integration with the European digital market.
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The authority will see if Google’s decision complies with Switzerland’s Cartel Act. COMCO has not yet accused the company of breaching competition law and the preliminary investigation is designed to determine whether a formal investigation should be launched.
In response to the development, Google said it is aware of the concerns of the regulator and will work with the Swiss competition authority during its review.
