Do Google’s deals with smartphone-makers to preload its search engine as the default option represent illegal monopolistic behavior?

👍 Yes (35%) – "Though it’s true, that smart phone users can change the search engine that they use, the process is not very easy and not well documented. The amount of data being collected without the opportunity to easily opt out is that used to push other google services deeper into our lives. I for one am sick of it."

• "If Google is automatically downloaded to new phones, then that’s what people will use, because they don’t see any need to download another search engine. Not only does this unevenly skew business relationships, but it also allows an unhealthy market to develop."

"It certainly seems concerning that whatever information I search for on my phone could be filtered. I have settings set to not factory default settings on my phone but I doubt many people take those steps."

👎 No (55%) – "Although Google makes deals with ocmpanies, such as smart phone manufacturers, to have their products preloaded and readily accessible, consumers still have a choice and can download and use a different product of their choosing. This does not always happen in other markets."

• "Historically speaking google/chrome are the most used search engines so it makes sense that they should come preloaded on your device. On top of that most links will automatically load into Google/chrome because it's most compatible with this search engine."

"It's simple - consumers have a choice and it is an easy change to switch search engines at zero cost. If a consumer is too lazy to change it, that isn't monopolistic by Google, rather it is pure laziness or indifference by the consumer."

• "Although a sneaky tactic, the tech industry is full of sneaky tactics. If any company has the option to do the same thing, the practice does not contribute to a monopoly."

"Unless Google is making smartphone companies sign contracts that preclude them from entertaining other default search engine bids now or in the future, they're well within their right to strike a deal with whatever company they want. Just because they're better at it than other companies or had a better idea first doesn't make it illegal."

🤷 Unsure/other (10%) – "It's grey area. It's agreed to but if users use the other search engines, they will likely switch to their preferred search engine, even if Google is installed. However, having Google downloaded does make it easier for users to go right to Google, instead of doing research on their own to determine if they should use Google."