Türkiye opens new antitrust probe into Google

Türkiye’s Competition Board has launched a new investigation into Google, focusing on its Android operating system and related agreements with mobile device manufacturers and app developers.

According to statements published by the authority, the probe stems from findings in the Mobile Ecosystems Sector Inquiry.

The board said it has concerns that Google’s current contract structure with device makers may violate Law No. 4054 on the Protection of Competition.

The decision to open the investigation was taken on Jan. 8, 2026, under decision number 26-01/2-M.

In a separate statement, the Competition Board also announced that it will impose an administrative fine on Google, stating that the company violated Law No. 4054 through its agreements with device manufacturers, as reported by Gazete Oksijen. The authority said the investigation formally examines these alleged violations under Article 40 of the law.

Exterior view of Google Bay View campus in Mountain View, California, US, April 2023. (Adobe Stock Photo)

Android deals under scrutiny

The Competition Board will examine whether Google’s agreements with phone manufacturers restrict market competition, especially after a 2018 ruling against the company.

Officials will review whether Google truly opened its contracts to competition following that earlier decision.

Key areas of concern include:

• Search widget placement: The board said Google no longer makes placing its search widget on the home screen formally mandatory. Instead, it offers this under an optional Google Search Placement Agreement. However, investigators found that all licensed device manufacturers signed this agreement and did not place rival search widgets on the home screen.
• Default search advantages and revenue sharing: The authority is examining the Türkiye Revenue Sharing Agreement. It said financial incentives tied to assigning Google Search as the default may create a “guiding effect” on manufacturers’ behavior. The board also noted that services such as Google Chrome and Google Voice Assistant may provide Google Search with broader default advantages.
• Chrome browser requirements: Under the licensing model, device makers must preinstall Google Chrome, include it in the application pool, and set it as the default browser. The board is assessing whether these conditions restrict competition in the mobile browser market.
• Alternative operating systems: The authority is revisiting contractual clauses that prevent device manufacturers from developing new operating systems based on Android’s open source code or using third-party systems built on that code. While this restriction was not considered a violation in the 2018 decision, the board said current market conditions may require a fresh assessment.

In a public statement, the board said the existing contract structure may raise concerns under Law No. 4054.

The Google homepage displayed on a screen. (Adobe Stock Photo)

Developer rules in focus

The investigation also covers recent policy changes under Google’s Android Developer Verification Program.

The Competition Board said it will assess whether new obligations imposed on app developers restrict alternative applications or harm competition in the broader ecosystem.

Authorities will also evaluate whether the new rules create barriers that affect developers’ ability to compete in app markets.

The probe places the entire Android ecosystem under review, from operating system licensing to app store practices.

Officials said the outcome could shape how competition functions in Türkiye’s mobile market.

February 04, 2026 11:59 AM GMT+03:00