Observed Signal · Mar 20, 2019 · Policy Update · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Google asks EU users for preferred browsers and search apps
Following a record EU antitrust fine in 2018 for abusing Android dominance, Google says it will ask Android users in Europe which browsers and search apps they prefer. The EU fined Google €4.3 billion in July 2018 for bundling Chrome and Google Search on Android devices and for financial incentives to manufacturers, while restricting devices based on Android Open Source. Google now signals openness to competition and says it will implement changes to satisfy EU demands in discussions. Among steps, Google Shopping will begin embedding direct links to price-comparison sites, and license terms for Google Play, Chrome and Search were adjusted to allow manufacturers to include non-Google apps alongside Google apps. On Android, users will be asked which browser and search engine they'd like to use, with examples including Bing, Yahoo, Ecosia, Qwant, and DuckDuckGo. The piece notes Chrome remains dominant in the Western market, and while this openness is a positive move, scrutiny over Google's market power is expected to continue.
Policy update by major platform (Google) in response to EU antitrust regulation/open competition requirements.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- EU fined Google €4.3 billion in July 2018 for Android antitrust abuses (preinstalled Chrome and Google Search; incentives to manufacturers).
- Google will allow manufacturers to install non-Google apps alongside Google apps on devices.
- Google Shopping will include direct links to price-comparison sites.
- Android users will be asked which browser and search apps they want to use.
- Rival search engines named in the article include Bing, Yahoo, Ecosia, Qwant, and DuckDuckGo.
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US Government Excludes Microsoft from Visa Program
The US government has barred Microsoft from participating in the permanent residency process for foreign workers with H-1B visas, accusing the company of abusing the program. Vice President JD Vance stated that Microsoft laid off 6,000 American employees last year while benefiting from 6,300 H-1B visa holders. The Department of Labor, led by Keith Sonderling, will not accept new permanent residency applications from Microsoft, as well as several consulting firms and Adobe. This action comes weeks before the midterm elections and reflects the Trump administration's broader criticism of the H-1B program, which it claims disadvantages American workers. Microsoft has not yet responded. The move could impact the tech industry's ability to retain skilled foreign talent.
Amazon unveils new Alexa tablets with AI and Google Play
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