Google will allow EU users to choose alternative default search engines in chrome.
Following a $5 billion fine from the antitrust ruling from the European Union last year, Google has launched a “fourth-price” auction system for the EU users. DuckDuckGo will be the most offered search engine choice for EU users, while Bing will be provided only in the UK.
The fourth-price bidding system provides users with search engine options from three highest bidders with the chosen provider paying the price of the fourth-highest bidder to Google. Also known as “choice screen”, it will be available to all EU citizens setting up new Android devices from the first of March.
The choice-based system might not reflect a search engines popularity in a particular country. Rival search providers have criticised Google’s auction system for alleged “monopolistic behaviour “.
[3 minute read]