Switzerland's Competition Commission (COMCO) has launched a preliminary antitrust investigation into Google after the company removed the option for Android users in Switzerland to select their default search engine during device setup. The removal of the "Choice Screen" means Google Search is now set as the default for new Android phones in Switzerland, while the feature remains available in the European Economic Area (EEA), COMCO said.
COMCO's investigation focuses on the impact of default settings on market visibility rather than the quality of search engines. The commission noted that the "Choice Screen" helps reduce user lock-in by allowing consumers to choose among competing search engines during device setup. By removing this option in Switzerland, Google limits the visibility of rival search engines, potentially raising barriers to competition. The regulator also highlighted a fairness issue, as Swiss users face different treatment compared to those in the EEA despite similar competitive concerns.
Google holds an 82% market share in Switzerland's search market, according to web analytics firm Statcount, which has drawn increased regulatory scrutiny. COMCO's probe aligns with broader European concerns about the influence of default settings in digital markets and the potential for dominant players to entrench their positions by restricting consumer choice. The investigation reflects ongoing efforts to ensure fair competition in the tech sector across jurisdictions with similar market dynamics.
COMCO's preliminary investigation was announced this week, with further details expected as the probe progresses. The regulator's press release is available on medianama.com, providing official documentation of the inquiry into Google's Android default search engine practices in Switzerland.