Google Forced To Give Indian Users Power To Choose Default Search Engine

Google parent Alphabet has announced some changes as required by the Competition Commission of India’s or CCI’s directives, including providing Indian users the “option to choose their default search engine.”

What Happened: Google will now allow Android users in India to choose their device’s default search engine “via a choice screen” that will appear when a smartphone or tablet is first set up in the country. 

The tech giant will also allow users to uninstall the first-party apps accompanying an Android device from next month. Additionally, third-party billing options will be available to all apps and games downloaded from the Play Store.

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Why It’s Important: In October last year, CCI penalized Google with $161 million for exploiting its position in online search and the Android app store ecosystem. The commission also urged Google to change its stance on pre-installing apps. 

Last week, Google lost its fight in the Indian Supreme Court to block an antitrust order which required the tech giant to modify the business model of the flagship Android operating system, reported Reuters. 

The aforementioned changes are part of Google’s response to the landmark ruling. 

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