'Google Search imposed as the default': Swiss watchdog probes Google over search engine choice

A preliminary investigation has been initiated by Switzerland's Competition Commission (COMCO) into Google's removal of a feature that allows mobile phone users to opt out of using its search engine as the default, the authority announced on Tuesday.

The allegations raised by COMCO state that the "Choice Screen" feature, which allows users to choose their default search engine during the initial setup of a new Android device, has been removed in Switzerland, even though it remains available in other countries across Europe.

Due to the absence of this option, Google has become the default search engine for Swiss users.

COMCO added that removing the feature limits the visibility of other search engines competing with Google when users set up their devices.

The preliminary investigation will determine whether there are indications of unlawful competition under the Swiss Cartel Act. Google holds 82% of the country's search market, according to web analytics company StatCounter.

More from Tech

EU's push for hotseat placement of browsers

Previously, the EU pushed for browser choice screens to create a fairer and more competitive browser ecosystem, where gatekeepers could no longer rely on operating system defaults to preserve their market share and instead had to compete to earn it.

The decision came after the Open Web Advocacy (OWA) launched a campaign for browser choice screens, including hotseat placement, through meetings with regulators. On March 9, 2026, Google reversed its stance and agreed to give the chosen browser a hotseat placement, likely due to behind-the-scenes efforts by the European Commission.

Such changes helped smaller browsers gain market share by allowing users to make a genuine choice about their default browser. Mozilla, for instance, saw its daily active users double in France and Germany on iOS, where the hotseat change has been implemented. It appears that Switzerland's COMCO is seeking similar changes for search engines.