Swiss regulator probes Google over Android default search feature

• Google removed the 'Choice Screen' option in Switzerland while maintaining it in other European Economic Area countries, forcing Swiss users to accept Google as the default search engine
• COMCO stated that default settings play a decisive role in digital markets and the removal limits visibility of competing search engines during device setup
• Google controls 82% of Switzerland's search market according to Statcounter, and the investigation will examine potential violations of the Swiss Cartel Act

Summary

Switzerland's Competition Commission (COMCO) has initiated a preliminary investigation into Google over the removal of its "Choice Screen" feature for Android users in Switzerland. The feature, which allows users to select their preferred default search engine during initial device setup, remains available in other European countries but has been discontinued for Swiss users, forcing Google Search as the default option.

Key Details:

• Google holds an 82% market share in Switzerland's search market, according to web analytics firm Statcounter
• The Choice Screen feature is still accessible to users in the European Economic Area (EEA)
• COMCO expressed concern that the removal creates "unequal treatment between Swiss users and those in the European Economic Area"

Market Implications:

COMCO warned that default settings play a "decisive role" in digital markets, and eliminating user choice could significantly impact competition. The regulator stated the practice "could affect the ability of search engine providers and, more broadly, other digital service providers to compete" by limiting visibility of alternative search engines.

The preliminary investigation will assess whether Google's actions constitute unlawful competition under the Swiss Cartel Act. Google acknowledged awareness of the probe and stated it would "cooperate fully with the authority to address their questions."

This development adds to growing global regulatory scrutiny of Google's market dominance and business practices, particularly regarding default settings and user choice in digital markets. The outcome could influence how tech giants operate in Switzerland and potentially set precedents for similar regulatory actions in other non-EU jurisdictions.