Key facts
- Switzerland's Competition Commission (COMCO) has opened a preliminary investigation into Google.
- The probe concerns Google's removal of the 'Choice Screen' feature on Android devices in Switzerland.
- This feature allowed users to choose their default search engine during initial setup.
- COMCO stated that Google Search is now the default for Swiss users, potentially limiting competitors' visibility.
- The regulator noted the unequal treatment of Swiss users compared to those in the European Economic Area.
Switzerland's Competition Commission (COMCO) has launched a preliminary investigation into Google over the removal of a feature that allowed users to select their default search engine on Android devices. The regulator stated that the 'Choice Screen,' which presented users with search engine options during initial device setup, has been discontinued in Switzerland, while it remains available in the European Economic Area.
COMCO indicated that default settings are crucial in digital markets and that eliminating this feature could restrict the visibility of competing search engines, thereby increasing market entry barriers. The commission noted that this practice could affect competition and creates unequal treatment for Swiss users compared to those in the EU.