The Swiss competition regulator, WEKO, has announced the launch of an investigation into Google. This follows suspicions that the company may be abusing its dominant position by forcing manufacturers of Android devices to set Google as the default search engine. Google has stated its willingness to cooperate, whilst WEKO has emphasised that the investigation is at a preliminary stage.
Briefly about the main points
- WEKO is investigating Google over search settings on Android.
- Google may be abusing its dominant market position.
- The investigation is at an early stage; the sanctions are not yet known.
- Google is cooperating with the regulator and defending its position.
- Similar cases are already underway in the EU and the US.
The crux of WEKO’s investigation into Google
Switzerland’s competition regulator, WEKO, has officially launched an investigation into Google. The investigation centres on the default search settings on Android devices. The regulator is investigating whether Google is abusing its dominant position by forcing device manufacturers to set its search engine as the default.
WEKO emphasised that the investigation is at an early stage. No final conclusions have yet been reached regarding possible infringements or sanctions.
Google’s position and the parties’ reactions
In a statement, Google confirmed its willingness to cooperate with the Swiss regulator. The company believes that its practices comply with the requirements of competition law.
WEKO has not stated how long the investigation will take, nor has it specified whether other companies will be involved. All that is known is that the case specifically concerns search settings on Android devices.
Context: similar cases around the world
Antitrust investigations into Google over search are already underway by default in the EU, the US and a number of other countries. In 2023, the European Commission fined Google €4.3 billion for similar practices.
Switzerland is not a member of the EU, but its decisions can have an impact on the European market. At the same time, regulatory approaches in Switzerland differ from those in Europe or the US.
Possible implications for Google and the market
The WEKO investigation could result in fines for Google or a requirement for the company to change its business model in Switzerland. This could set a precedent for other countries outside the EU if the regulator finds that rules have been breached.
However, WEKO’s decision will not necessarily be identical to those of European or US regulators. It is not yet known exactly what sanctions might be imposed, or how long the proceedings will take.
