Starting in 2020, Google will present a new search engine provider selection screen to all Android users in the EU during the initial setup of a new phone or tablet. The selected search engine will be set as the default in Android and in the Chrome browser, if installed. Search engine owners will have to pay Google for the right to appear on the selection screen alongside Google’s search engine. Three winners will be determined through a sealed-bid auction.
This statement from Google followed a record $5 billion fine for violations of antitrust laws in the EU. The ruling from July 2018 required Google to stop its 'illegal tying' of its Chrome browser and its search applications to Android. The European Commission left it up to Google to choose how to address the monopolistic practice, while oversight authorities will continue to closely monitor the activities of the American company.
Google thus the new auction process: 'For each country, search service providers will state the price they are willing to pay each time a user selects them on the screen in that country. Each country will have a minimum bid threshold. Three participants with the most generous bids that meet or exceed the threshold value for that country will appear on the selection screen for that country.'
Google does not specify what the minimum bid threshold is. However, it noted that the number of bidders and their bids will remain confidential. The company justifies the auction process in the FAQ: 'The auction is a fair and objective method of determining the search service providers included on the selection screen. It allows search providers to decide how much value they place on being displayed on the selection screen in Android and to make commensurate bids.'
Earlier, Google claimed that it needed to tie search services and Chrome to Android to monetize significant investments in the operating system. The Commission rejected this explanation, noting that Google earns billions just from the Play Store, as well as from the data it collects to enhance its advertising business.
Android users in the EU will be able to switch their default search service at any time after the initial setup, which is already possible. The deadline for applications from search service providers is September 13, 2019, and the winners will be announced on October 31, 2019.
Source: 3dnews.ru
