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China reportedly readying antitrust probe into Google after Huawei prompt

The country's relationship with the US may affect the decision, according to Reuters.

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Huawei, one of the world's biggest phone makers, may have proposed that China launch an antitrust investigation into Google.

César Salza / CNET en Español

China may launch an antitrust investigation into Google after Huawei alleged that the search giant's use of its dominant Android operating system hurts competition, Reuters reported Wednesday. The Chinese State Council's antitrust committee may decide on the probe next month, and the country's relations with the US could be a factor, the news agency noted.

The Trump administration has restricted Huawei and the other Chinese telecoms in recent years, citing national security concerns due to fears that their equipment could be used to spy on other countries and companies. As a result, Huawei is barred from using Android and Google services like the Play Store in its new phones, forcing it to develop its own operating system.

Google is no stranger to allegations of antitrust. The US Department of Justice is eyeing the company, and the European Commission hit it with a $1.7 billion fine for "abusive" online ad practices last year.

Neither the State Council, Google nor Huawei immediately responded to requests for comment.

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