EU starts formal investigation into possible abuse of power Google with Android
The European Commission has announced that it is formally opening an investigation into Android. Google may have violated European competition rules with its mobile operating system and related applications.
The investigation should clarify whether Google has abused its monopoly position and whether it has entered into agreements with others that impede competition in the European market. If this were the case, Google would illegally hinder the development of other mobile operating systems, applications and services within the EU.
The European Commission has already conducted preliminary research into Android and also received two complaints. In the meantime, it has been decided to start a formal investigation into Android and the conditions that Google attaches to the use of its proprietary application suite on the mobile operating system. Three points play an important role in this, according to the Commission. The first is whether Google is hindering competition by requiring exclusivity from smartphone and tablet makers when installing its mobile apps. The EU also wants to see whether Google has taken actions to prevent the ‘forking’ of the open source parts of Android by electronics manufacturers. Finally, the investigation must answer the question of whether Google has deliberately antagonized other parties by bundling its Android applications and services.
It is unclear how long the investigation will take. According to the European Commission, this depends, among other things, on whether Google is cooperating in the investigation. The Commission also states that it has informed Google about the start of a formal investigation into the alleged abuse of its position with Android. The EU has also launched an investigation into a Google price comparison service.
Google already saw the storm hanging and has put the matter into perspective in an internal memo, it became clear on Wednesday. According to Google, this is an investigation, which does not mean that steps will actually be taken. The company notes that the European Commission has also investigated iTunes in the past without taking any further steps. However, Google potentially runs the risk of being fined billions.