Disconnect Inc., a startup B Corporation that creates software to help online users block ads and other third-party services, has issued an antitrust complaint with the European Commission against Google.
It accuses the search company of abusing its dominant market position by banning from the Google Play Store the company's latest Android app, Disconnect Mobile.
The European Union's ongoing antitrust investigation against Google's business models, which tend to form an anticompetitive environment for other online businesses, could be fired up with this new complaint.
A European Commission spokesperson confirmed the commission had received the complaint and would act accordingly.
Google banned last year Disconnect Mobile, an Android app created by the ex-Googlers' company, stating it violated its developer distribution agreement, which prohibits apps from interfering with other apps, such as removing a developer's way of making money through ads or altering functionalities of other apps.
Disconnect Mobile routes traffic through an encrypted virtual private network tunnel, which makes it difficult to track Internet users. With the installation of a special network profile, the app has been designed to block suspected malware sites and ads, and identity theft through malicious tracking services, both in Android's browser and inside apps.
According to Google, Disconnect Mobile's functions violated the company's developer policies. Google also noted this rule has been applied uniformly and has been supported strongly by Android developers.
Disconnect claims Google's reasoning is "vague and overly broad," and believes Google sensed the app threatened its advertising-based and tracking business model.
"We don't oppose advertising and understand ad revenue is critically important to many Internet companies, publishers, and developers. However, users have the right to protect themselves from invisible tracking and malware, both of which put sensitive personal information at risk. Advertising doesn't have to violate user privacy and security," says Casey Oppenheim, Disconnect CEO and co-founder.
Disconnect has protested against Google's actions previously. The company's app was prohibited twice from the Play store last year.
"This position is unacceptable and will hopefully inspire regulators in the U.S. and elsewhere to get involved and protect consumers from Google. In the meantime, we've been asking ourselves what we can do to get Google to re-commit to their mission of doing no evil," Oppenheim added.
Android users with Android 4.0 and higher can still install the banned Disconnect Mobile by downloading it directly from the official website of Disconnect. The premium version costs $5 per month or $50 a year. The company also offers similar services for iOS, Mac and Windows.
Disconnect's designation as a B Corporation means it has participated in a certification process and meets standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. There are more than 1,000 certified B Corps from 33 countries and over 60 industries that work toward the goal of redefining success in business.
Photo: Intel Free Press | Flickr
