Turkiye: Ruling against Google for abuse of dominance in mobile operating systems market

On 19 September 2018, the Turkish Competition Authority sanctioned Google for abusing its dominance in the mobile operating systems market. Google was sanctioned with a fine of TRY 93 million. Specifically, Google forced mobile device makers to pre-install the Google search app as well as other software, in order for the device makers to be able to use the Google Play Store. Furthermore, Google allegedly also paid mobile manufacturers and network operators to exclusively download the Google Search application. Finally, Google also allegedly restricted manufacturers from operating different versions of Android, so-called Android forks. Google now has 6 months to adjust its contracts with device manufacturers to comply with the ruling and must then also certify these changes with the Turkish Competition Authority.