Just as the European Commission’s investigation into Google’s search engine wraps up, the European Union’s antitrust watchdog is reportedly investigating claims that Google used anticompetitive tactics improve Android’s market share.
According to allegations from Microsoft and Nokia, Google has been licensing their Android operating system to manufacturers below cost, making them the obvious choice for device manufacturers over competing operating systems. Google is also being accused of requesting manufacturers to cancel and/or delay the launch of devices running competing operating systems.
The complaint goes on to state that Google uses Android “as a deceptive way to build advantages for key Google apps in 70 percent of the smartphones shipped today.” While Android is open source, competitors say that Google uses the platform to push services like Youtube, bringing in a considerable amount of ad revenue for the company.
Google have responded to the accusations saying, “Android is an open platform that fosters competition. Handset makers, carriers and consumers can decide how to use Android, including which applications they want to use.”
Regardless of the accuracy of these allegations, if the European Commission finds anything circumstantial it could easily turn into a full blown investigation.
Source: All Things Digital
Come comment on this article: EU committee investigates Google’s alleged anticompetitive tactics to boost Android’s market share
Powered by WPeMatico
