South Korea’s competition authority, the Korea Fair Trade Commission, is investigating claims that Google has been abusing its dominant position in the market by blocking alternative search engines on its Android-powered mobile telephones. The investigation began in April 2011, when Korean search engine companies Naver (or NHN) and Daum Communications complained to the Commission.
The Commission reportedly conducted dawn raids on Google’s offices in Seoul, first, in September 2011 and again this month, May 2012. Google has apparently denied allegations that it attempted to obstruct the investigation by deleting files and allowing employees to work at home on the day of the raid. A Google spokesperson, Adam Kovacevich, responded by saying “We will of course continue cooperating with this and other government inquiries”. As the KFTC continues its investigation, it remains to be seen whether litigation will be commenced.
