Google finds itself at the center of a fresh complaint lodged under the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), courtesy of a coalition comprising five prominent digital rights and privacy organizations. This formal grievance, directed to the European Commission, alleges that the tech giant is curtailing user autonomy on Android devices by complicating the process of removing or disabling pre-installed applications, such as Google Search, Chrome, and Maps.
Allegations of User Restriction
The coalition, which includes European Digital Rights (EDRi), Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE), Gesellschaft für Freiheitsrechte (GFF), Homo Digitalis, and ARTICLE 19, contends that Google’s practices contravene the DMA’s stipulations. The legislation mandates that major tech platforms must facilitate the uninstallation of default services with ease. The organizations assert that Google, classified as a ‘gatekeeper’ under the DMA, bears a legal obligation to empower users with the freedom to select their preferred applications and services.
According to the complaint, many Android users encounter a myriad of hidden settings, convoluted instructions, and intimidating warnings when attempting to disable Google applications. These alerts often imply that disabling certain apps could lead to system malfunctions or disrupt the functionality of other applications. The complainants characterize these warnings as misleading tactics designed to deter users from opting out of Google’s suite of services.
The allegations further suggest that Google has intentionally structured its Android ecosystem to keep users tethered to its proprietary services. The coalition argues that such design choices create barriers for users wishing to transition to alternative applications or services. The DMA, enacted in 2023 and set into motion in 2024, aims to curtail the dominance of large digital platforms, fostering a more equitable and competitive online marketplace.
This development arrives on the heels of Alphabet, Google’s parent company, submitting its most recent compliance report under the DMA and engaging in discussions with EU officials during a workshop organized by the European Commission on July 1.
Implications of the Complaint
The European Commission has acknowledged receipt of the complaint and will now undertake a review as part of its enforcement process for the DMA. The Commission wields the authority to impose fines reaching up to 10% of a company’s global annual revenue and can mandate alterations in product design or business practices to ensure compliance with the law. Notably, in April of this year, the Commission levied fines of €500 million and €200 million against Apple and Meta, respectively, for breaches of the DMA.
The timing of this latest complaint is particularly noteworthy, as the European Commission is already scrutinizing Google’s influence in advertising technology and its control over the Android platform. Additionally, Google faces a separate antitrust complaint from a consortium of independent publishers, filed on June 30, 2025, which alleges that its AI Overviews feature utilizes their content without authorization.
