Google faces Swiss probe over 82% search share

• Switzerland’s competition regulator opened a preliminary investigation into Google’s removal of Android’s search-engine Choice Screen.
• Alphabet shares were down 1.3% at US$352.51 before regular U.S. trading began.
• The inquiry will assess whether Google’s default-search practice indicates an unlawful restriction of competition under Swiss law.

Google parent Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL) faces a Swiss preliminary investigation after Google removed Android’s Choice Screen in a market where it holds an estimated 82% search share.

The feature remains available in the European Economic Area but was withdrawn in Switzerland, leaving Google Search as the default during initial Android setup.

Google said it was aware of the investigation and would cooperate fully with the Swiss authority to address its questions.

COMCO said removing the option could reduce rival search engines’ visibility, reinforce entry barriers and create unequal treatment between Swiss and EEA users.

Following the announcement, Alphabet's share price was down 1.3% at $352.51 before regular trading began.

The investigation follows a July 2 European court ruling that upheld a €4.1 billion fine involving Google’s Android practices and restrictions on competitors.

The UK competition regulator also introduced search-service conduct requirements in June covering transparency and competitive access on Google’s platforms.