Google Fined A$55M for Anti-Competitive Android Search Deals
Google has been fined A$55 million for anti-competitive agreements with Telstra and Optus. The penalty follows an ACCC investigation into Google's search engine practices on Android devices.
The ACCC's Digital Platform Services Inquiry uncovered Google's exclusive revenue share agreements with Telstra and Optus. These agreements, active from December 2019 to March 2021, granted Google exclusive use of Google Search on Android devices in exchange for a portion of advertising revenue.
The arrangements, admitted to by Google, prevented rival search engines from accessing distribution channels on Android devices. They required Telstra and Optus to exclusively pre-install Google Search and barred them from promoting any similar search services. ACCC Chair Gina-Cass Gottlieb noted that these provisions created significant barriers for competing search providers.
Google cooperated with the investigation, acknowledging that the agreements were likely to have substantially lessened competition. The ACCC believes the outcome could lead to millions of Australians having greater search choice in the future.
Google Asia Pacific will pay A$55 million in penalties following Federal Court proceedings. The ACCC's investigation and Google's admission highlight the importance of fair competition in digital markets. The penalty sends a strong message that anti-competitive behavior will not be tolerated.
