Google has been fined 55 million Australian dollars after the Australian consumer watchdog found it harmed competition by paying Telstra and Optus to pre-install its search app on Android devices. This arrangement limited consumer choice by excluding rival search engines. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission emphasized the importance of this outcome for increased search options for Australians. Google admitted to the arrangements' impact on competition and has since ceased similar dealings, enhancing future prospects for competing search services in Australia. Legal cooperation between Google and the ACCC has also streamlined the penalty process, averting protracted legal battles.
Google has agreed to pay 55 million Australian dollars ($ 35.8m) in fines after the country's consumer watchdog found it harmed competition by making two telcos pre-install its search application on Android phones.
The arrangement had a substantial effect on competition from rival search engines, and Google has stopped signing similar deals while also agreeing to the fine.
Today's outcome created the potential for millions of Australians to have greater search choice in the future, and for competing search providers to gain meaningful exposure to Australian consumers.
The cooperation between the ACCC and Google has helped avoid lengthy litigation related to the penalty.
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