Google Accused of Hiding Uninstall Options for Pre-installed Android Apps, Violating EU DMA
Six human rights organizations have filed a formal complaint with the European Commission against Alphabet, Google’s parent company, accusing it of violating the Digital Markets Act (DMA)—a cornerstone piece of EU legislation governing the conduct of the world’s largest tech firms.
The signatories of the complaint include ARTICLE 19, European Digital Rights (EDRi), the Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE), Gesellschaft für Freiheitsrechte (GFF), Homo Digitalis, and Vrijschrift.org. According to their claims, Google has failed to comply with a DMA provision that mandates so-called tech “gatekeepers” to offer users a straightforward technical means to uninstall pre-installed applications.
The complainants argue that Google deliberately complicates the process of removing its proprietary services on Android devices. They contend that “Alphabet designs Android in a way that conceals from users the option to disable its default apps,” and even when this option is discovered, the system allegedly presents intimidating warnings to discourage action.
The DMA, which came into force in the EU two years ago, aims to curtail the dominance of major digital platforms and ensure greater consumer choice and a fairer playing field for developers.
The complaint targets rules specific to so-called gatekeeper companies—dominant digital platforms such as operating systems and app stores. The legislation not only obliges these entities to maintain a level competitive field, but also requires that users be empowered to freely manage installed services, including the ability to remove unwanted applications.
Alphabet has rejected the allegations. A company spokesperson stated that “removing apps on Android devices is straightforward, and the complaint does not reflect the actual user experience.” Google also pointed out that a similar complaint had previously been dismissed by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
The European Commission has confirmed receipt of the complaint and noted that it is currently reviewing the submission as part of its standard procedures. No decision has yet been made regarding the launch of a formal investigation.
