Google to Ask Rivals to Bid to Be Default Search on Phones
- Search giant changing settings to fend off antitrust scrutiny
- Users will be prompted to pick from one of four search options
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Alphabet Inc.’s Google will require rivals to bid in order to become listed as alternative search providers on Android smartphones, a move to try to keep additional antitrust scrutiny at bay.
Starting next year, Google will prompt users to make a choice between Google and three other rival options as their default search provider. Google invited search providers to bid as part of an auction on the new choice screen, which will appear when a user sets up a new Android smartphone or tablet in Europe for the first time.