China antitrust investigation Google Android: Is China targeting Google’s Android operating system in its antitrust probe? Here’s what reports are saying and how it would impact users todayheadline

China recently launched an antitrust investigation into Google, even though most of Google’s services, like search and Gmail, are unavailable in mainland China, as per a report.According to analysts, the investigation may be less about Google itself and more to warn Washington, while also making a move against Google’s dominant Android operating system.

What’s behind the probe?

Reports indicate that China’s investigation could be targeting Android, which remains the dominant mobile operating system in the country despite fierce competition from Huawei’s HarmonyOS.

Some experts claim the investigation is tied to restrictions Google has imposed on Chinese smartphone makers who use Android, reported South China Morning Post. These restrictions require Chinese companies to pre-install Google apps on their devices sold overseas, a move that has drawn criticism in China.

Zhang Chenying, a law professor at Tsinghua University, said “Urging Google to remove unreasonable restrictions and practices will help promote a fairer and more reasonable international market order, and ensure better participation of Chinese companies in the international market,” as quoted by the report.

How could this affect users?

The direct impact on users is limited. However, the inquiry might lead to fines instead of significant shifts in operations, as per the South China Morning Post report.

Why now?

It comes at a time when relations between the US and China have been increasingly sour, with China’s fresh tariffs on US imports and new export controls of certain minerals, as well as the addition of two US companies to China’s unreliable entity list. Angela Zhang, a law professor at the University of Southern California said “Beijing has effectively fired a warning shot to Washington, signalling its readiness to retaliate,” as quoted by South China Morning Post.

FAQs

What exactly are China’s concerns about Android?
According to analysts, China’s concerns are about Google’s restrictions on Chinese manufacturers, including requiring pre-installed Google apps on phones sold internationally. Beijing wants to ensure a fairer market for local companies.

Could this lead to big changes for Android users?
Right now, the investigation is unlikely to cause immediate disruptions for users. However, if it escalates, there may be tighter control over Android devices in China or a rise in local alternatives like Huawei’s HarmonyOS, as per the report.