US/EU: Android class action suit could have huge implications in Europe

A class action lawsuit filed in the US that accuses Google of unfairly monopolizing space on Android smartphones could have wide implications in Europe as Google rivals continue to fight the search giant’s dominance.

The lawsuit filed in May says Google unfairly forces smartphone manufacturers to preload Google apps on Android phones. If the lawsuit proceeds, reports say the case could crack open a trove of hidden Google emails and contracts with smartphone makers like Samsung Electronics.

Google motioned to have the case dismissed earlier this month on grounds that even with Google-owned applications preloaded on phones, consumers can still use and download competing applications.

But if the case continues, reports say Google rivals could use revelations from the case to fight Google overseas.

Google continues to face criticism by consumer advocates, rival tech companies and competition regulators in the EU as the European Commission gears up to settle with Google to close a separate case. European Commissioner Joaquin Almunia has assured opponents of the settlement that Google will continue to face intense scrutiny and new investigations by EU competition authorities.

While Microsoft is not a plaintiff in the case in the US, it is among several Google competitors that filed complaints with the European Commission last year over similar issues. The Commission is still debating whether to open a formal investigation based on that complaint.

Full content: Yahoo Finance

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