Switzerland's Competition Commission (COMCO) opened a preliminary investigation into Google. The probe concerns Google's practices regarding the default search engine on Android devices. COMCO focuses on Google's recent removal of the "Choice Screen" feature in Switzerland. This feature previously allowed users to select a default search provider when setting up a new Android phone.
Without the choice screen, Google Search automatically becomes the default. COMCO states this move could unlawfully restrict competition. The regulator notes the feature remains active in the neighboring European Economic Area. This creates unequal treatment for Swiss consumers. Default settings are crucial in digital markets. Their removal could limit rival visibility and raise market entry barriers. Google states it will cooperate fully with the investigation.