Russian watchdog has fined Google 7.85 million for its actions

Google has agreed to create a tool that will allow Android users to choose a default search engine on their mobile device.
Google has agreed to launch its Android mobile operating system to compete with the Russian search engine. As part of a two-year dispute settlement agreement with Russian competing authorities, Google will no longer require the exclusivity of its apps on Russian Android-based devices.
Russia’s Yandex has accused Google of abusing its influential position by imposing sanctions on Android device makers. Russia’s competition watchdog, the FAS, ruled in 2015 that Google was violating the law by requiring pre-installation of applications with its own search tools on mobile devices using Android, Reuters reports.
Google has agreed to create a tool that will allow Android users to choose a default search engine on their Android device. “Users will be able to change settings at any time and choose the default search engine to suit their needs,” FAS said.
Google has been criticized worldwide for abusing its dominant position on Android-based devices to protect its online search market. Reuters reports that Google has reached a commercial agreement with Yandex that “provides new opportunities for Yandex to promote its search services in Chrome (Internet browser).”
The new agreement between Google and Russia’s FAS has set a new precedent and could be replicated in other markets. The deal is for six years and nine months, and Google has been ordered to pay a 7.85 million fine.