Swiss Regulator Probes Google Over Android Default Search Feature Removal

Switzerland's Competition Commission (COMCO) has initiated a preliminary investigation into Google's decision to remove a feature that previously allowed mobile phone users to select their preferred search engine during the initial setup of Android devices. The authority announced Tuesday that the "Choice Screen" feature, which offered users the ability to choose their default search engine, is no longer available in Switzerland, even though it continues to be offered in other European nations.

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We look forward to cooperating fully with the authority to address their questions.

This change means that Google's search engine is automatically imposed as the default option for Swiss users. COMCO highlighted that default settings are crucial in digital markets, and the removal of this choice limits the visibility of competing search engines. The commission expressed concern that Google's new practice could hinder the ability of search engine providers and other digital service providers to compete effectively.

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In digital markets, default settings play a decisive role, with the removal of the option limiting the visibility of other search engines competing with Google when users set up their devices.

Furthermore, COMCO pointed out that this situation creates an unequal treatment between Swiss users and those in the European Economic Area. The preliminary investigation will aim to determine if there are any indications of unlawful competition under the Swiss Cartel Act. Google, which holds a dominant 82 percent share of the Swiss online search market according to Statcounter, has acknowledged awareness of the investigation and stated its intention to cooperate fully with the authority.

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This new practice by Google could affect the ability of search engine providers and, more broadly, other digital service providers to compete.