Google's Korean Offices Get Raided Over Android Antitrust Concerns

Google's offices in Seoul have been raided today by the Korean Fair Trade Commission over antitrust concerns relating to Android. Regulators conducted the investigation based on allegations that Google is limiting access to rival search engines on its Android platform, an investigation likely brought on by complaints from other South Korean internet search engine companies as well as Android mobile device makers.

Back in April, two Korean internet companies, NHN and Daum Communications, had asked the KFTC to investigate Google's business practices, alleging that the company was restricting competing search engines from its Android mobile operating system. Other mobile device makers may have also raised concerns on the restrictions Google has in place for using the Android OS.

Google has responded that it intends to comply with Korean regulators and has issued the following statement:

We will work with the KFTC to address any questions they may have about our business. Android is an open platform, and carrier and OEM partners are free to decide which applications and services to include on their Android phones. We do not require carriers or manufacturers to include Google Search or Google applications on Android-powered devices.

The company is under similar investigations here in the US for antitrust concerns involving both Android well as its core search business.

[via CNET]