Switzerland's Competition Commission (COMCO) opened a preliminary investigation into Alphabet's Google. The probe concerns Google's default search engine practices on Android mobile devices.
The investigation focuses on Google's removal of the "Choice Screen" feature in Switzerland. This feature previously allowed users to select a different default search engine during new Android phone setup.
Google Search automatically becomes the default after this removal. COMCO is assessing this move for potential unlawful restriction of competition under the Swiss Cartel Act.
Regulators noted the choice screen feature remains available to users in the neighboring European Economic Area. This highlights an inconsistency in regional user treatment.
The action aligns with a wider global trend of regulatory scrutiny into large tech companies' market power.