(Telecompaper) The European Commission confirmed formal charges against Google for competition violations, through favouring its own comparison shopping services over rival services in Google search results. This is one of the four areas previously outlined in the EU's investigation into possible abuse of Google's dominant position in the search market. Google will be able to respond to the charges and propose remedies, but if the EC is not satisfied with its response, it may impose a fine equal to up to 10 percent of Google's revenues. At the same time, the EC opened a new competition investigation into Google's Android operating system for mobile devices. The EC is concerned about Google's agreements with handset makers covering the installation of Google apps on their Android phones and whether this constitutes an abuse of Google's dominant position. The investigation was started following complaints from two unnamed market parties and the EC's own inquiries. In particular, the EC questions whether Google is hindering the market for other apps by tying its own services to Android and if its licensing agreements with manufacturers may be preventing the development of alternative versions of Android.