Australia: Announced ACCC investigation into Google’s search services in Australia over alleged abuse of market power regarding pre-installed search engines on Android devices

On 2 July 2024, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) opened an investigation into Google's search services in Australia over alleged abuse of market power regarding pre-installed search engines on Android devices. The investigation was initiated after the ACCC's Digital Platform Services Inquiry (DPSI) determined that Google's dominance as the primary search engine in Australia is largely due to its pre-installation as the default search service on devices. Furthermore, the ACCC announced that it had accepted undertakings from Telstra and Optus as part of its investigation into Google's search services in Australia. These undertakings, effective after 30 June 2024, prevent Telstra and Optus from entering new agreements that mandate Google's search services to be pre-installed as the default on Android devices. This resolves the ACCC's concerns regarding their role in anticompetitive conduct, allowing alternative search engines to compete for default status on these devices. The ACCC is continuing its broader investigation into Google's agreements and their impact on competition, emphasising the need for regulatory reform to promote competition and consumer choice in the digital economy.