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Early next year, Google will add a new option for Android users in Europe, allowing them to choose the standard search engine. This is Google’s response to a fine imposed by the European Commission last year.

The selected search engine is then used in the search bar on the home screen of the phone and as the default search engine in the Chrome browser, provided it is installed. That’s what Google says in a blog post.

Search engine providers may apply to become part of the Choice Screen. That screen appears when someone installs a new Android smartphone or tablet. Even after the installation of the phone, the choice for the search engine can still be adjusted.

Bidding

The search engine selection screen on Android devices will have a total of four visible options. To be visible on that screen, competitors can bid in one annual auction per country. In addition, they indicate how much they want to pay if someone chooses their search engine. Winners are shown in random order, next to Google’s own search engine. This means that the three highest bidders appear in the selection menu. The fourth place is always for Google itself. If there are not enough winners per auction, a random selection will be made from a group of eligible search engines. These providers can now register.

Penalty

Google is thus responding to a fine of 4.3 billion euros that it received from the European Commission last year. According to the Commission, Google had a monopoly position with Android, and abused it. For example, smartphone manufacturers were forced to pre-install Google Search, the Play Store and the Chrome browser. In addition, manufacturers had to sign a contract stating that they were not allowed to sell devices that compete with Android. In October last year, Google announced that it would implement various measures to meet the requirements of the European Union. Manufacturers selling their devices in the EU now have to buy the Google apps separately.

This news article was automatically translated from Dutch to give Techzine.eu a head start. All news articles after September 1, 2019 are written in native English and NOT translated. All our background stories are written in native English as well. For more information read our launch article.