Why Android is not a monopoly, according to Google – Gizmodo in Spanish

The European Union (EU) is about to indict Google Abuse of dominance in the search market. The EU is finalizing the document allegations and is also likely to open an investigation into Android. Google, however, denies that neither searching nor Android are a monopoly.

The news came last night to hand the newspaper Financial Times and New York Times . According to several sources, the EU could announce today the indictment against Google of abusing its dominant position in search engines. Google faces a possible fine of 6,400 million, approximately one-tenth of their annual income. The EU argument is that Google has spent years taking advantage of its dominant position in search engines (an aggregate 90% share in Europe) to favor its own services in search results and hurt rival. But the EU wants to go even further and it looks like it will also open an investigation into Android.

In a memo sent to employees, Google recognizes that the EU “will likely open an investigation on Android” for the same reason: abuse of dominant position. The data do not lie: in Spain, for example, Android has more than 85% share (as in Mexico or Argentina). Does that mean monopoly? Google says be quiet. “ We have a case [defense] very strong also in Android ,” says the head of legal affairs for Google, Kent Walker.

What are the arguments of searching for not considered a monopoly Android? Google explains in the internal document:

• Ensures that Android has lowered the prices of mobile phones and increased consumer choice. And give one fact: today there are over 18,000 different Android mobile devices available on the market.
• Android is an operating system open source that anyone can use for free.
• Google says it has paid more than 7,000 million last year to developers and content creators Android.
• Consumers decide what my download and use on Android devices. Apps that ensures the company in direct competition with Google, Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft Office or Expedia. Besides, he says, many of these my come pre-installed by default on many phones, like the Galaxy S6 says, that comes standard with Facebook, and my of Microsoft pre-installed.

Google’s arguments to defend in front of the search engine are very similar: competition is just a click he says. On the one hand, are irrefutable arguments. Furthermore, the devil is in the detail. When you have a market share above 80% or 90% on Android or search engine optimization, the domain is such that any subtle and minimal obstacle to your opponents becomes a huge advantage. And that’s just what it takes to European Union analyzing five years. Today or in the coming days we will know the arguments of the EU to fine (or not) and whether Google Android escapes (or not) of the equation. The legal battle has just begun

Image 2:. Sam Spratt

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