11 Apr 2013

Coalition of Google Rivals Complains to Europe Over Android Bundling

A collection of tech companies has filed a complaint with European regulators, charging that Google’s Android practices violate antitrust laws there.

The 17-member Fairsearch.org coalition, which includes Microsoft, Nokia, Oracle, TripAdvisor and Expedia, said that Google “uses deceptive conduct to lockout competition in mobile.”
The organization complains that Google gives away Android for free, but then forces those who want its maps or YouTube or the Google Play store to then preload other Google services.
“Google is using its Android mobile operating system as a ‘Trojan Horse’ to deceive partners, monopolize the mobile marketplace, and control consumer data,” coalition lawyer Thomas Vinje said in a statement. “We are asking the Commission to move quickly and decisively to protect competition and innovation in this critical market.”
Google representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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