HALISTER: EU Sends Objections to Google Over Android Contract Curbs

EU Sends Objections to Google Over Android Contract Curbs

(Bloomberg) -- European Commission sends statement of objections to Google, saying it may have breached antitrust rules by requiring phone makers to install search and browser apps on Android phones.
  • Google accused of giving financial incentives to manufacturers and telecoms operators to exclusively install Google Search
  • Phone makers must set Google as default search in order to license Google’s other apps, EU says
  • Manufacturers are prevented from selling mobiles running on competing versions of Google’s Android software
  • EU says co. harms rival browser makers, hinders development of Android versions and opportunities for new apps and services
  • Statement of objections can lead to fines or order for co. to change behavior
  • Google has 90% market share for mobile software in Europe; Android “used on virtually all” lower-cost phones and tablets bought by most customers
  • More than 90% of Android apps are downloaded via Play Store
  • EU comments in e-mailed statement
Alert: HALISTER
Source: BFW (Bloomberg First Word)

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