Google 'abused dominant position' with Android, says EC

Google was told it had breached European competition regulations on Wednesday, through its preferential treatment of its Android operating system on mobile applications.

European Commissioner for Competition, Margrethe Vestager, published her ‘statement of objections’ and gave the technology giant 12 weeks to formally reply.

"A competitive mobile internet sector is increasingly important for consumers and businesses in Europe,” Vestager wrote.

“Based on our investigation thus far, we believe that Google's behavior denies consumers a wider choice of mobile apps and services and stands in the way of innovation by other players.

“Dominant companies have a responsibility not to abuse their position. Google has abused its dominant position,” she said.

Google was quick to respond - albeit informally - through a blog post by senior vice president Kent Walker.

"Android has emerged as an engine for mobile software and hardware innovation,” Walker wrote.

“It has empowered hundreds of manufacturers to build great phones, tablets and other devices. And it has let developers of all sizes easily reach huge audiences."

Walker said Google took the commissioner’s concerns seriously, but believed that its business model kept manufacturer costs low and flexibility high, while giving consumers “unprecedented control” of their smart devices.

The investigation wasn’t the only one Google was facing in Brussels, with the commission also looking into its search services.