Russia's Anti-Monopoly Service Opens Case Against Google

By Reuters

Feb. 20, 2015

Coffee cups with Google logos are seen at the Google office in Toronto. Mark Blinch / Reuters

Russia's Anti-Monopoly Service has opened a case against Google following a request from Russia's biggest search site Yandex, Interfax news agency reported Friday citing the regulator.

Yandex said Wednesday it had asked the competition watchdog to investigate whether Google was abusing the dominance of its Android mobile operating system.

The case mirrors a probe in Europe centered on whether Google takes unfair advantage of the 80 percent global market share of its Android platform to promote services.

"The latest case we have opened literally today is against Google," Interfax quoted Igor Artemyev, head of the competition watchdog, as telling members of Russia's State Duma lower house of parliament.

FAS could not immediately confirm the start of proceedings, its spokeswoman said.

The press service for Google's office in Russia declined immediate comment.

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