Samsung and Google Under EU Antitrust Scrutiny Over AI Smartphone Deal

Last week in Paris, France, Samsung held the Galaxy Unpacked 2024 global launch event, unveiling the next-generation Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6 foldable smartphones, along with the Galaxy Buds 3 series earphones and the Galaxy Watch 7 / Ultra smartwatches. Like the Galaxy S24 series released earlier this year, these new models come pre-installed with Gemini, Google’s generative AI tool.

According to TrendForce, Samsung and Google are under scrutiny from EU antitrust regulators, investigating whether their collaboration on AI-enabled phones may hinder other AI developers from entering the market or restrict market competition. It is reported that EU antitrust authorities have inquired with several companies about whether the pre-installation of Gemini Nano limits the functionality of other chatbots and applications on their smartphones. Additionally, there are concerns regarding other pre-installation agreements between Samsung and Google.

Following the implementation of the Digital Markets Act, the EU has intensified its market monitoring efforts, focusing particularly on major global tech companies. It has identified Google, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Booking, and ByteDance as “gatekeepers,” subjecting them to specific regulations to ensure fair competition in the digital market. The EU has now shifted its attention to the artificial intelligence sector, aiming to ascertain whether Samsung and Google are engaging in market entry restrictions or anti-competitive practices.

Sources indicate that if evidence of anti-competitive behavior by Google and Samsung is found, the EU will initiate a formal antitrust investigation.