EU panel to review fining Google over Android
The panel’s conclusion could pave the way for a second record-breaking fine being issued against Google before the end of 2017.
The European Commission could call for Google to unbundle the app store GooglePlay from Android. Amongst the allegations are that Google has abeen requiring smartphone makers to pre-install Google Search and the Google Chrome browser in return for access to other Google apps, and barring the manufacturers from using rival versions of Android. Google has also been accused of paying smartphone makers and mobile network operators to only install Google Search on their devices.
The European Commission, the executive arm of the European Union, has already fined Google of €2.42 billion (about $2.75 billion) for abusing its search engine dominance by giving an advantage to its own shopping service, although Google is likely to appeal the decision.
The potential fine around Android is expected to exceed the search engine fine. In April of 2016 the European Commission alleged that the anti-competitive practices started in January 2011. The decision to open a case against Google was made following complaints from lobby group FairSearch, ad-blocking and privacy firm Disconnect Inc., Portuguese apps store Aptoide and Russian search engine company Yandex.
The European Commission sets up peer review panels to examine a case team’s conclusions. They usually comprise three or four experienced officials and return a decision within three or four weeks although that time can be extended.
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