The European Union said Wednesday that Google breached the bloc’s competition laws by giving preferential treatment to its Android operating system on mobile applications.
EU Antitrust Commissioner Margrethe Vestagerpublished a so-called Statement of Objections laying out the case. The tech giant has 12 weeks to issue a formal reply.
“A competitive mobile internet sector is increasingly important for consumers and businesses in Europe. Based on our investigation thus far, we believe that Google’s behavior denies consumers a wider choice of mobile apps and services and stands in the way of innovation by other players,” Vestager said.
“Dominant companies have a responsibility not to abuse their position,” said Vestager. “Google has abused its dominant position.”
By Kim Hjelmgaard, USAToday, SouthFloridaReporter.com, April 20, 2016
