The Turkish Competition Board has officially opened a new investigation into Google, targeting the tech giant’s “Alphabet” economic unit. The probe, launched on January 8, 2026, focuses on whether Google’s revised agreements with mobile device manufacturers and its new developer policies continue to stifle competition in the Android ecosystem.
This latest move follows a history of regulatory tension. In 2018, the Board ruled that Google had violated competition laws by forcing manufacturers to pre-install its search and browser apps. While Google introduced new contractual structures to address those findings, the Board now suspects that these “optional” agreements may be just as restrictive in practice.
Financial Incentives Over Freedom of Choice
A primary concern of the investigation is the use of financial steering. The Board’s recent “Mobile Ecosystems Sector Inquiry” (MESI) revealed that although placing the Google search widget on home screens is no longer strictly mandatory, Google offers significant financial incentives through its Google Search Placement Agreement (GSPA). The inquiry found that every manufacturer licensing the Android operating system chose to sign this agreement, effectively keeping the Google widget as the universal standard while excluding competitors.
The Default App Advantage
The investigation also highlights the Türkiye Revenue Sharing Agreement (TRSA). Under this deal, Google Search is set as the default across multiple entry points, including the Chrome browser and Voice Assistant. The Competition Board is concerned that the broader “default app advantage” granted by these agreements makes it nearly impossible for rival search engines to gain a foothold, regardless of whether the licensing is technically optional.
Browser Market and Operating System Restrictions
The probe extends into the mobile browser market, where evidence suggests Google still requires manufacturers to pre-install Chrome as a condition for licensing its operating system. Additionally, the Board is re-evaluating restrictions that prevent manufacturers from developing or using “forked” versions of Android (operating systems based on Android’s open-source code). While previously cleared, these restrictions are now viewed as potential barriers to innovation in the current market.
New Scrutiny on Developer Verification
Finally, the Board is examining the Android Developer Verification Program. This recently introduced policy, which Google frames as a security measure to combat malware, has faced criticism for potentially centralizing even more control. The Turkish authorities will investigate whether this program acts as a gatekeeping mechanism that limits the digital sovereignty of developers and users alike.