In a Reuters article, there seems to be more trouble in the European paradise with Google yet again, as competition authorities are gearing up for yet another antitrust case against Google focusing on Android. This new case that is in the works seems to be aimed at appeasing European critics who feel that the proposed “rival links” PC search settlement is letting Google off with a mere slap of the wrist. At this point, the settlement has yet to be formally approved.
Currently though, the settlement is going to be approved, and there are a number of European officials who aren’t really thrilled about that. Joaquin Almunia, the European Commission antitrust chief, is promising a slew of antitrust investigations against Google in the future.
In the major Western European markets, Android’s markets share is almost 80 percent, and according to Reuters piece, the upcoming case is going to deal with tying Google apps and services to use of the Android OS:
In one questionnaire seen by Reuters, respondents were asked whether there was a requirement set by Google, written or unwritten, that they not pre-install apps, products or services on mobile devices that compete with Google software like its search engine, app store and maps.
Companies must provide emails, faxes, letters, notes from phone calls and meetings, and presentations stretching as far back as 2007 related to such deals with Google, suggesting the European Commission wants to know if Google’s behavior has been long-term. Respondents have been given until early September to reply to more than 40 questions.
For more details, check out the Original Source on Marketing Land written by Greg Sterling