14 DAY TRIAL // Google is being accused with interfering with an investigation by South Korean authorities over anti-competitive issues regarding Google Search in Android phones.
The authorities were investigating whether Google makes it unnecessarily hard for users to switch to other search providers in the country.
In an interview with a local newspaper, the Korean Fair Trade Commission is accusing Google of interfering in several ways. It alleges Google deliberately deleted files which would have been important to the investigation.
What's more, it says Google instructed employees to work from home to obstruct the inquiry. The authorities are now looking to fine Google the maximum amount they are authorized to do, about $172,000, EUR135,000 if they do indeed find evidence to support the interference accusations.
Google has flatly denied any wrongdoing and has said that it is cooperating with authorities. What's more, it says it is not aware of any accusations of interferences, via the official channels.
Authorities were investigating Google's Android operating system. They believe Google is making it hard for users to switch search engines and for other search providers to add their own services as the default or as an option.
The investigation comes after both NHN Corp and Daum Communications Corp filed a complaint over the matter. Both companies run search portals in the country.
What's more, the two search portals dominate search between themselves, Google is essentially a non-player in the South Korean search market. Despite years of trying, Google hasn't managed to amass very many users in the country.
However, since it's the default search engine on Android phones, which have had huge success in the country, it may be gaining a bigger share of the mobile search market, threatening the position of the dominant companies.
The success of Android in South Korea may also be attributed to the fact that two of the biggest Android phone makers come from the country, Samsung and LG.