Google’s mobile search dominance under threat in Australia

Google has a 94% share of the search market in Australia, the ACCC said. — AFP

Google should be forced to give up its position as the default search engine on mobile phones and tablets under proposals from Australia’s antitrust watchdog to rein in the tech giant’s power.

The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission on Thursday recommended a mandatory choice screen, offering alternative search engine providers, be displayed on current and new mobile devices that run Google’s Android operating system. The watchdog is also considering extending the change to Apple Inc’s iPhones and desktop devices.