Google might be the most popular search engine in the world but it’s almost not the only one. There are some of the people around, some try to stay in their local market against the strength of Google’s resources. In Europe, the technology giant is legally forced to present Android users with screen options, let them choose a browser and look for their choice of applications. The choice did not come at no charge for the search engine, but now Google took off the obstacles that forced the search engine to pay even on the list of screens of the choice.
Antitrust decision by the European Commission in 2019 stopped Google from Chrome bundling and searched on its Android phone. Instead of just leaving the user to scramble for what will be used, Google applies the selection screen that will let them choose what will be used from the list. While it satisfies legal letters, requirements even on the list may not be in the spirit of fair competition.
In order to be eligible to be on the list, search engines must win auction, which means spending money. It naturally supports larger companies such as Microsoft and Yahoo but is a big barrier to enter for local and non-profit search engines. Google said that, after discussing with the European Commission, finally erased the system.
That doesn’t mean that only anyone and everyone can be on the screen of that choice. Google will apply certain criteria for who will be at the top of the list, especially the five most popular search engines in certain countries based on the number of stats. There will also be seven other options for general search services and all twelve will be ordered randomly.
Google said that this change will be implemented from September for Android devices sold in the European Union. Although the change was mandated in the region, it has not been trapped in other major markets such as the US where Google also faces antitrust supervision.