Google has been fined $55 million AUD for anticompetitive practices by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). This stems from exclusive deals with Telstra and Optus to pre-install Google Search, prohibiting other search engines. Google acknowledged that these agreements likely reduced competition. ACCC Chair Gina-Cass Gottlieb emphasizes that such restrictiveness often leads to less consumer choice and poorer service. Despite past defenses, Google has cooperated in this investigation, admitting liability. Telstra and Optus have also agreed not to engage in similar future arrangements with Google.
Google admitted these agreements were "likely to have had the effect of substantially lessening competition," in a case that highlights anticompetitive conduct in Australia.
"Conduct that restricts competition is illegal in Australia because it usually means less choice, higher costs or worse service for consumers," said ACCC Chair Gina-Cass Gottlieb.
These deals were in place from December 2019 to March 2021, during which Telstra and Optus pre-installed Google Search exclusively on their devices.
Google has agreed to pay a fine of $55 million AUD, acknowledging its role in anticompetitive practices alongside the ACCC's investigation.
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