Switzerland’s competition authority has opened a preliminary investigation into Google’s decision to remove the “choice screen” feature on Android devices in the country over concerns it could restrict competition.
The Secretariat of the Competition Commission (COMCO) announced on Tuesday that the feature, which previously allowed users to select their preferred default search engine during the initial setup of a new Android device, had recently been withdrawn in Switzerland.
According to COMCO, the change means Google’s search engine is now automatically set as the default for Swiss users without offering alternative options.
The regulator said the move could reduce the visibility of rival search engines, strengthen barriers to market entry and negatively affect competition among digital service providers.
COMCO also noted that the practice creates unequal treatment between users in Switzerland and those in the European Economic Area, where the choice screen remains available despite similar competition concerns.
The authority said its investigation would determine whether Google’s actions amount to an unlawful restriction of competition under Switzerland’s Cartel Act.
Google confirmed it was aware of the probe and said it would cooperate fully with the Swiss regulator.
The investigation comes shortly after the European Union’s highest court upheld a €4.1 billion antitrust fine against Google over practices linked to its Android operating system and search dominance.