S. Korea Search Engines File Google Complaint

SEOUL — Android-based smartphones use Google as their default search engine and, according to two search giants in South Korea, the preloading of Android had made it “virtually impossible to switch to another option” for Internet searching.

The No. 1 and 2 search engines here — Naver and Daum — have asked South Korea’s trade commission to probe whether Google has improperly maneuvered to have Android preinstalled on most smartphones being sold in the country, where two-thirds of are Android-based.

Naver and Daum control more than 70 percent of the mobile search market in South Korea, where there are 10 million registered smartphones.

Google, however, hasn't captured the search market like it has in other countries. In fact it only has a 1 to 2 percent share in the fixed-line search market here

Naver, owned by NHN Corp., says in its complaint that Google, “through a marketing partnership with major smartphone producers,” had unfairly created “a new ecosystem” by offering the Android system free to corner the market.

But Google, according to the Wall Street Journal, has denied the accusations, saying in a statement that “carrier partners are free to decide which applications and services to include on their Android phones.”

It is technically possible to switch search applications on Android phones but that switch is not easy. Naver and Daum said their applications could not be purchased as a preloaded option.

Microsoft filed a similar antitrust complaint last month with European regulators, saying Google was engaging in anticompetitive practices on the web and in smartphone software in relation to videos on Google-owned YouTube.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Roxie Rae Relaunches Site Through XSiteAbility

Roxie Rae has relaunched her site through XSiteAbility.

Federal Appeals Court Vacates FTC 'Click to Cancel' Rule Pending Review

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Tuesday vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, pending further review.

NYC Adult Stores Lose Challenge to Zoning Law, May Face Relocation

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit on Tuesday upheld a lower court’s decision to allow enforcement of a 2001 zoning law aimed at forcing adult retail stores out of most parts of New York City.

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

Only Tax Deductions Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Adult industry accounting firm Only Tax Deductions has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Adult Empire Launches 'Conversations' Podcast Series

Adult Empire has launched a new official podcast series hosted by Nicole Chappelle and Charlie.

Sex Work CEO Launches 'Teams Plan' for AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Teams Plan for its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Show More