Google faces a AUD55 million ($35.8 million) lawsuit initiated by Australia's consumer protection ombudsman due to an anti-competitive search deal with Telstra and Optus. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) noted that the court is to confirm a deal following Google's admission of liability. Google's agreements included mandating the installation of its Search feature on Android phones, excluding rival search engines between December 2019 and March 2021. The ACCC aims to enhance consumer choice as AI searches evolve, with various companies, including Telstra and Optus, to implement remedial actions by 2024.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) indicated the court is effectively being asked to ratify a deal reached after Google Asia Pacific admitted liability and the pair agreed the financial penalty proposed.
Google conceded deals with Telstra and Optus requiring its Search feature to be installed on Android phones was anti-competitive.
The ACCC stated the breach covers a period between December 2019 and March 2021, and involved rival search engines being omitted from the devices.
ACCC chair Gina-Cass Gottlieb stated the net result is better choice for consumers, with the outcomes timely as 'AI search tools are revolutionising how we search for information'.
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