Overview
- Switzerland’s Competition Commission (COMCO) launched a preliminary investigation on Tuesday into Google’s decision to remove the Android “Choice Screen” during device setup for users in Switzerland.
- The Choice Screen let new Android users pick a default search engine; COMCO says Google removed that option in Switzerland while it remained available in other European countries.
- COMCO warned the removal can limit visibility for rival search engines and raise barriers to entry for other digital services, a concern shaped by data showing Google holds about 82% of Switzerland’s search market.
- The probe will test for indications of unlawful conduct under the Swiss Cartel Act and could lead to orders to restore the Choice Screen or fines if COMCO finds misuse of dominance, but it is still at the preliminary stage.
- Google has acknowledged the investigation and said it will cooperate, and COMCO’s next steps will determine whether the matter becomes a formal case with specific remedies or sanctions.