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Google Faces Anticompetitive Allegations From Korean Government

Jacob Chung |
September 6, 2011 | 3:39 p.m. PDT

Senior Tech Editor

Korean Fair Trade Commission investigates Google after allegations of foul play come from competing search companies. (credit Naver.com)
Korean Fair Trade Commission investigates Google after allegations of foul play come from competing search companies. (credit Naver.com)
Korea's Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) is investigating allegations Google is hindering search competion on Android devices. 

The search giant's office in Korea was raided by KFTC agents Saturday after allegations from competing search companies--NHN, creators of popular search site Naver, and Daum--reached the desk of the Korean Fair Trade Commission, CNET reports. According to the allegations, Google is limiting the use of competing search tools by pressuring smartphone makers to install Google search as default. 

From the Financial Times:

Android smartphones “have Google’s search engine installed as a default navigation tool, while they are systematically designed to make it virtually impossible to switch to another option,” NHN said.

Google has responded on the allegations stating they intend to comply fully with the Korean regulations for search. 

From CNET:

"We will work with the KFTC to address any questions they may have about our business," the company said in a statement. "Android is an open platform, and carrier and OEM partners are free to decide which applications and services to include on their Android phones. We do not require carriers or manufacturers to include Google Search or Google applications on Android-powered devices."

Google has faced trouble in the country  in the past accused of invading user privacy by obtaining geo-location information via AdMob--its advertisement software.

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