Google admits anti-competitive conduct involving Google Search in Australia

Commentary by Tiahna Cassar

The ACCC commenced Federal Court proceedings against Google Asia Pacific on 18 August 2025, following its admission that agreements with Telstra and Optus requiring Google Search to be the only pre‑installed search engine on Android mobile phones likely substantially lessened competition. In return for the exclusive agreements, Telstra and Optus received a share of the revenue generated from ads displayed to consumers when they used Google Search on their Android phones. 

As part of a resolution, Google Asia Pacific has acknowledged liability and agreed to a proposed $55 million AUD penalty. 

Additionally, Google Asia Pacific and its US parent company, Google LLC has signed a court-enforceable undertaking to remove certain pre-installation and default search engine restrictions from its contracts with Android phone manufacturers and telcos. 

The Court will determine whether the penalty and orders are appropriate. 

Coupled with existing commitments from Telstra, Optus, and TPG not to renew such exclusive deals, these developments pave the way for more choice, innovation, and the emergence of AI‑powered search alternatives.  ACCC Chair Gina-Cass Gottlieb notes, “[this] outcome, along with Telstra, Optus and TPG’s undertakings, have created the potential for millions of Australians to have greater search choice in the future, and for competing search providers to gain meaningful exposure to Australian consumers.”

A key milestone in promoting digital choice and competition in Australia’s evolving tech landscape. 

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