The COMCO Secretariat is investigating Google
Bern, 14.07.2026 — The Secretariat of the Competition Commission (COMCO) has opened a preliminary investigation to examine Google’s removal of the “Choice Screen” feature on Android devices in Switzerland.
The “Choice Screen” feature allows users to choose their default search engine during the initial setup of a new Android device. Recently, Google removed this feature in Switzerland, even though it remains available in the European Economic Area (EEA). As a result, the Google search engine is imposed as the default on Swiss users, without a “Choice Screen” being displayed during the initial setup of their device.
In digital markets, default settings play a decisive role. The “Choice Screen” aims to reduce the lock-in effects associated with preconfigured settings. Its removal could limit the visibility of search engines competing with Google when users set up their devices, thereby reinforcing barriers to entry.
This new practice by Google could affect the ability of search engine providers and, more broadly, other digital service providers to compete. It also creates an unequal treatment between Swiss users and those in the EEA, even though the competitive issues are comparable.
The preliminary investigation will determine whether there are indications of an unlawful restriction of competition under the Cartel Act. The findings of this proceeding could also be relevant to the assessment of practices related to default settings on other mobile devices.