EU says Google violated antitrust rules with Android system

(ANSA) - Brussels, April 20 - 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".