The European Commission on
Wednesday said that Google has violated EU antitrust rules with
strategies that it said take advantage of its dominant position
in the marketplace in order to promote and grow the use of its
Android operating system and apps on mobile phones.
"We believe that Google's behaviour denies consumers a
wider choice of mobile apps and services and stands in the way
of innovation by other players," said EC Competition
Commissioner Margrethe Vestager.
In a "Statement of Objections", the EC said Google "has
abused its dominant position by imposing restrictions on Android
device manufacturers and mobile network operators" and "has
implemented a strategy on mobile devices to preserve and
strengthen its dominance in general internet search".
The document is the first step in a formal legal procedure
that could bring sanctions if the company doesn't work with the
EU to resolve the concerns.
In a post on the Google Europe blog on Wednesday, Google
Senior Vice President & General Counsel Kent Walker said the
company "looks forward to working with the European Commission".
"Our partner agreements have helped foster a remarkable -
and, importantly, sustainable - ecosystem, based on open-source
software and open innovation".
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