Alphabet (GOOGL, Financials), the technology company behind Google Search, Android, YouTube and Google Cloud, is facing a preliminary competition investigation in Switzerland over how Android handles default search settings.
Swiss regulator COMCO is examining Google's decision to remove the Choice Screen from Android devices sold in the country. The feature normally lets users choose a default search engine while setting up a new phone.
Without it, Google Search becomes the automatic default for Swiss users, even though the option remains available in parts of Europe.
Regulators said default settings matter because many users rarely change them later. That can make it harder for smaller search engines to compete for visibility.
Google said it is aware of the investigation and plans to cooperate with the authority.
The review will determine whether the change may violate Swiss competition law. Google holds about 82% of the country's search market, according to Statcounter.
For investors, the case adds another regulatory issue around Google's control of Android and Search. The next step will be whether Swiss authorities move from a preliminary review to a formal investigation.