Swiss Competition Commission Opens Preliminary Probe Into Google Over Removal of Android Search Choice Screen

Switzerland's Competition Commission (COMCO) secretariat has launched a preliminary investigation into Google's removal of the "choice screen" feature on Android devices in Switzerland, according to 36Kr. The choice screen allowed users to select a default search engine when setting up a new Android device. Google removed the feature in Switzerland ahead of the probe announcement, while it remains available in the European Economic Area. As a result, Google Search is now set as the default search engine for Swiss users without presenting the choice screen during initial device setup. COMCO said the preliminary probe will assess whether there are indications of an unlawful restriction of competition under Switzerland's Cartel Act.