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September 26, 2015

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Google’s Android in US anti-trust probe

THE US Federal Trade Commission is investigating whether Google Inc is using its Android mobile operating system to stifle competition, a source familiar with the matter said yesterday.

The Android mobile platform is a key element in Google’s strategy to maintain revenue from online advertising as people switch from web browser searches to smartphone apps, and action by US regulators would be a big problem for the company.

Reuters reported in April that some technology companies had complained to the US Department of Justice about Google’s anti-competitive practices and urged the regulator to investigate allegations that Google unfairly uses its Android system to win online advertising.

Google previously tangled with the FTC over web search allegations and reached a settlement in 2013.

The European Union has accused Google of distorting web search results to favor its own shopping service as well, and is now probing the Android mobile operating system.

The new FTC probe focuses on whether Google is telling Android handset makers which Google apps they must show on their phones, and how and where they are displayed, the source said.

The probe is in very early stages, the source said.




 

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