Google has agreed to pay a fine of $36 million (approximately ₹300 crore) in Australia after admitting to anti-competitive practices that restricted search engine options on Android smartphones. Between December 2019 and March 2021, Google entered into agreements with major telecom providers Telstra and Optus, ensuring its search engine was pre-installed on their devices. In exchange, Google shared advertising revenue generated from user searches on those phones. These deals prevented the telcos from offering alternative search engines, effectively limiting consumer choice.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) initiated the case, highlighting that these agreements significantly reduced competition and hindered visibility for rival search providers. As part of the settlement, Google not only agreed to the fine but also signed a court-enforceable undertaking to avoid including such restrictive terms in future contracts. This move will give device makers and carriers more freedom in pre-installing search apps.
ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb emphasized the ruling’s importance in promoting fairer competition and increased consumer choice. While Google stated that such terms are no longer in use, the case adds to global scrutiny of Google’s market dominance.
