Swiss Competition Watchdog Probes Google Over Android Search Engine Default

The Swiss competition authority has opened an investigation into Google after the company removed a feature that allowed Android phone users to select a default search engine from alternative providers when setting up a new device. The Competition Commission (COMCO) announced it had begun a preliminary probe into the policy. The Choice Screen feature previously gave Android users the freedom to determine their default search engine upon first activating their device. However, COMCO stated that Google has removed this option specifically in Switzerland, even though it remains available in other European countries. As a result, Google’s search engine is automatically set as the default for all Android users in Switzerland without any alternative being offered. Google acknowledged the investigation and expressed readiness to cooperate with the regulator. A company spokesperson said, ‘We are aware of this investigation. We look forward to working fully with the authorities to answer their questions.’ COMCO considers default settings to play a crucial role in digital markets. The loss of the search engine choice option is seen as reducing the visibility of competing search services when users perform the initial device setup. ‘This new practice by Google could affect the ability of search engine providers and, more broadly, other digital service providers to compete,’ COMCO stated. The regulator also noted that the policy creates unequal treatment between users in Switzerland and those in the European Economic Area, who can still select a default search engine when activating their Android devices. Through this preliminary investigation, COMCO will assess whether Google’s policy violates competition provisions under the Swiss Cartel Act. According to web analytics firm Statcounter, Google dominates the search engine market in Switzerland with an 82 per cent market share.