Swiss competition regulators have opened a preliminary investigation into Google after the company removed a feature on Android devices that allowed users to choose their default search engine during the initial device setup. Authorities are examining whether the change could unlawfully restrict competition by giving Google’s search engine an unfair advantage in the country.
The investigation was announced by Switzerland’s Competition Commission (COMCO), which said Google recently removed the Android “Choice Screen” for users in Switzerland while continuing to offer the feature in countries within the European Economic Area. As a result, Android devices sold in Switzerland now default to Google Search without presenting users with alternative search engine options during setup.
According to COMCO, default settings play a significant role in digital markets because many users keep the preconfigured option. The regulator said eliminating the choice screen could reduce the visibility of competing search engines and make it more difficult for rivals to attract new users, potentially raising barriers to competition.
The preliminary investigation will determine whether Google’s decision violates Switzerland’s Cartel Act. Authorities have not accused the company of breaking the law, and the probe does not automatically lead to enforcement action or financial penalties.
Google said it is aware of the investigation and plans to cooperate with Swiss authorities. The company has not publicly explained why the choice screen was removed for Swiss Android users while remaining available in the European Economic Area.
The investigation comes shortly after Google lost its final appeal against a €4.1 billion European Union antitrust fine related to Android. In that case, the EU concluded Google had abused its dominant market position by requiring smartphone manufacturers to preinstall Google Search and Chrome on Android devices, limiting opportunities for competing services.
Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, but regulators noted that the different treatment of Swiss users compared with users in the European Economic Area could have implications for competition. According to web analytics firm Statcounter, Google currently accounts for roughly 82% of Switzerland’s search engine market, making the default search setting particularly influential.