The reason for the audits is possible violations of antitrust laws in connection with search applications on mobile platforms.
Japan’s Fair Trade Commission is investigating whether Google made deals with Android smartphone makers to share search ad revenue unless the device maker built a competitor’s search engine.
The regulator also checks whether Google services are prioritized on Android devices.
The commission is asking third parties to submit their comments on the investigation by November 22. In response, Google said Android is “an open source platform that enables diversity” among partners and device manufacturers.
“The openness and flexibility of the system ensures that users always have options to customize their devices to their needs, including how they browse the Internet, search the Internet, or download applications,” a Google spokesperson said.
Recall that the US Department of Justice accused the Search giant of violating antitrust laws through exclusivity agreements with mobile phone manufacturers and browser developers in a lawsuit that began last month.
Source: Ferra
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