Google settles with Russian watchdog in Android abuse case

Google has reached a settlement with the Russian competition watchdog FAS, for which it must pay 7.4 million euros and open its Android operating system to other search services. The agreement is valid for the next six years and nine months.

Reuters writes this in response to the settlement. Google confirmed to the news agency that it has also entered into an agreement with the Russian search service Yandex, with which it can promote its services within the Chrome browser. Yandex filed the complaint with the FAS, which led to the current case. The company complained that Google imposed restrictions on makers of Android devices to protect its position in the search engine market.

The Russian watchdog says in its own message that Google’s actions had the effect of hindering the installation of competitors’ apps. The settlement will prevent Google from requesting exclusivity on Russian Android devices and not hindering the pre-installation of competing search services. In addition, it should also not encourage the pre-installation of its own apps. It also follows from the settlement that the company must develop a selection screen for current devices, with which users can select their own search service in the Chrome browser.

The European Commission filed a complaint against Google a year ago for similar reasons. For example, the complaint states that the search giant is abusing its market position by requiring smartphone and tablet makers to pre-install Google apps, such as Search and the Chrome browser, on their Android devices. According to Google, the delivery of apps is necessary to continue investing in its operating system.