We previously heard that the EU regulators may be looking into antitrust allegations against Google and their Android mobile OS, and now, according to a recent report, the US regulators may also be scrutinizing Android.
The news comes in a report from Bloomberg, which states that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is investigating antitrust allegations related to Android.
Background on EU Antitrust Investigation
Previously, we heard that the EU regulators were examining Google’s practice of bundling its own apps with new Android devices. The concern was that manufacturers were required to include all of Google’s apps if they wanted to use any of them. This practice could potentially stifle competition by making it difficult for other app developers to gain traction on Android devices. For instance, if a manufacturer wanted to include Google Maps, they would also have to include Google Search, Gmail, and other Google services, thereby limiting the opportunity for competing apps to be pre-installed.
The European Commission has been particularly vigilant about maintaining competitive markets in the tech industry. They have previously fined Google for other antitrust violations, such as favoring its own shopping service in search results. The investigation into Android is part of a broader effort to ensure that no single company can dominate the market to the detriment of consumers and competitors.
Potential US Antitrust Investigation
As of now, there are no specific details on what the US antitrust investigation entails. However, it is plausible that the FTC could be looking into similar issues as the European regulators. The FTC has a mandate to protect consumers and ensure a competitive marketplace, and they have previously taken action against other tech giants for antitrust violations.
One possible area of investigation could be Google’s agreements with device manufacturers and carriers. These agreements might include stipulations that favor Google’s services over those of competitors. For example, Google might require that its search engine be set as the default on new devices, or that its app store, Google Play, be the primary source for downloading apps. Such practices could potentially limit consumer choice and hinder innovation in the mobile app market.
Another aspect that might come under scrutiny is Google’s control over the Android operating system itself. While Android is technically open-source, Google maintains significant control over its development and distribution. This control allows Google to set terms that could disadvantage other companies, such as requiring compatibility with Google services or restricting modifications to the OS that could benefit competitors.
The implications of these investigations are significant. If regulators find that Google has violated antitrust laws, the company could face substantial fines and be required to change its business practices. This could lead to a more level playing field for other app developers and service providers, potentially fostering greater innovation and offering more choices to consumers.
As soon as we get more information about the possible European and US antitrust investigations into Google’s mobile OS, we will let you guys know.
Source BGR
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