European regulators are gearing up for their next in-depth investigation into Google, reports say, confirming earlier rumors of such a move.
In question is Google’s Android smartphone operating system and the company’s practice of pre-loading Google-owned applications on those phones.
Two unnamed sources said the European Commission is laying the groundwork for a formal investigation in the matter ahead of the entrance of a new competition chief this November. The Commission so far has sent questionnaires to Android rivals to obtain comment on the dispute.
Reports say those questionnaires are more in-depth and detailed than those sent in previous inquiries into the matter, launched in 2011 and 2013.
The questionnaire this time around includes a prompt asking companies if there was a formal or informal agreement made with Google to pre-load smartphones with certain apps, or to not pre-load competing apps.
Respondents, which have until September to file their answers, have also been asked to provide documents including letters, faxes, and notes from phone calls and meetings to the Commission dating as far back as 2007, reports say.
Full content: Reuters
Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.
Featured News
Pfizer Settles Remaining Effexor XR Antitrust Claims for $25.5 Million
Apr 29, 2024 by
CPI
South Korean Regulator Approves LG Uplus and Kakao Mobility EV Charging Venture
Apr 29, 2024 by
CPI
Federal Judge Dismisses Doctors’ Antitrust Suit Against Ohio Health System
Apr 29, 2024 by
CPI
Paramount CEO Bob Bakish Steps Down as Merger Inches Closer
Apr 29, 2024 by
CPI
EU Brands Apple’s iPadOS as Gatekeeper in Tech Crackdown
Apr 29, 2024 by
CPI
Antitrust Mix by CPI
Antitrust Chronicle® – Economics of Criminal Antitrust
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
Navigating Economic Expert Work in Criminal Antitrust Litigation
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
The Increased Importance of Economics in Cartel Cases
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
A Law and Economics Analysis of the Antitrust Treatment of Physician Collective Price Agreements
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
Information Exchange In Criminal Antitrust Cases: How Economic Testimony Can Tip The Scales
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI