Washington: Google is reportedly facing an investigation by the European Union (EU) into its Android cut-price licensing system with speculations that they have strengthened the mobile operating system by using certain exclusivity deals, thereby giving it an unfair advantage over other technological giants.

The ''informal'' probe that is ''at a preliminary stage'' has been launched after recent complaints from Microsoft and Nokia that Google provides with unfair mobile search facilities, the Washington Post reports.

According to the report, the Brussel antitrust authorities have sent a questionnaire to Android device makers and mobile carrier companies, and have urged Google to amend its Web search in relation to its design and advertising facilities in a bid to make the tech giant denote its products more clearly.

Google had issued a statement earlier that said that that Android''s usage depends on how the mobile makers, carries and consumers want to use and the applications they prefer as the operating system provides for an open platform.

Source: Zee News