Google is reportedly under Federal Trade Commission (FTC) scrutiny over its Android operating system. The US antitrust regulator is apparently looking to open an investigation into whether the search engine giant blocked rival's access to Android or not.
Since Android is smeared with security issues and fragmentation for good reason, both have been age-old problems with the operating system. Its rivals have protested that Google prioritizes its own applications and services on the Android operating system, while limiting others. Therefore, it gives itself an unjust advantage to increase online advertising.
According to Bloomberg, FTC has signed an agreement with the Justice Department and has begun an antitrust probe into the method Google blocked competitors' admission to the Android platform and is restraining competition. The FTC officials have already met with the technology company delegates, who requested for anonymity, since the matter is confidential. Moreover, these representatives want to replace Google applications, while taking advantage of Google's maintenance, infrastructure, as well as hard work.
The search engine giant is also facing the same investigation in the European Union (EU). Its Android probe focuses on Google's strategy of bundling software such as Maps, Chrome, and YouTube with its Android platform.
One possible resolution would be Google taking a stronger hold of the Android updating process. However, such a move could land the company with more complications than it already has now.
This issue brings about a contract that has been coined as "home-screen advantage." It allows the search engine giant to force smartphone manufacturers to bundle its entire service, application, and search, offering if they want to propose a Google-blessed and labeled Android experience.
As Google gives Android away to handset makers, it needs to look for other ways to make money from Android. Pushing its bundled applications is the price of using the official Google Android build.
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