Google to start offering alternative browsers and search engines to Android users in the EU

Android users in the EU will soon be offered a choice of browsers and alternative search engines on their devices, Google announced on Tuesday.

The announcement is unsurprising, given the European Commission (EC) slapped Google with a record $5 billion fine in July 2018 for stifling browser and search engine competition in the EU.

In a blog post, Google's SVP of Global Affairs Kent Walker said the company will "do more to ensure that Android phone owners know about the wide choice of browsers and search engines available to download to their phones."

Specifically, owners of both existing and new Android devices will be asked which browser and search apps they want to use.

Walker points out that Android users have "always been able to install any search engine or browser," but there's a difference between having Google's search engine and Chrome browser pre-installed as default and just letting users find alternatives on their own, and actively providing customers with a choice.

Google's solution to the EC's complaints echo a 10-year old decision by Microsoft, which provided Windows 7 users with a "browser ballot" solution following an EC fine. The users were able to choose between several web browsers after installing Windows, thus making Microsoft's own Internet Explorer less dominant.

Walker also pointed out that the company had made several other changes following the fine from the EC: It changed the licensing model for the Google apps on Android phones, and created separate licenses for Google Play, Chrome and Google Search. This made it possible for phone manufacturers to pre-install alternative apps on Android phones, something the EC put a big emphasis on in its July decision.

Google says it will implement these changes "over the next few months."