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Commission claims Internet giant has broken rules by forcing phone makers to pre-install Google Search, Chrome browser on their devices.
The European Commission on Wednesday formally accused Google of abusing its dominant position by imposing restrictions on Android device makers and operators.
The watchdog has sent a Statement of Objections to the Internet giant, outlining the preliminary findings of an investigation launched in April 2015 into claims of anti-competitive practices regarding Google’s operating system.
"Based on our investigation thus far, we believe that Google’s behaviour denies consumers a wider choice of mobile apps and services and stands in the way of innovation by other players, in breach of EU antitrust rules," said the EC’s competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager, in a statement.
Google stands accused of requiring OEMs to pre-install Google Search and Chrome browser, and set Google as the default search service, as a condition of licensing Google’s proprietary apps.
Brussels also claims Google prevents device makers from offering rival operating systems based on Android’s open source code.
Google is also accused of giving financial incentives to OEMs and network operators that agree to exclusively pre-install Google Search on their devices.
"Android has helped foster a remarkable – and, importantly, sustainable – ecosystem, based on open-source software and open innovation," said Google’s general counsel Kent Walker, in a statement sent to Total Telecom.
Nonetheless, the EC said it believes that Google’s practices may help it to consolidate its dominant position in the Internet search market, and may impede rival mobile Web browsers from competing with Chrome. It is also concerned that Google is hindering the development of alternative operating systems based on Android.
Ultimately, this harms consumers because it limits choice and stifles innovation, the Commission said.
"A competitive mobile Internet sector is increasingly important for consumers and businesses in Europe," Vestager said.
"Google now has the opportunity to reply to the Commission’s concerns," she added.
"We look forward to working with the European Commission to demonstrate that Android is good for competition and good for consumers," Walker said.
This story was updated at 12:05 to include comments from Google.
