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An article in the Korean Herald says Korea has asked Apple to allow Korean users the option to choose their search engine on the iPhone.  The Korea Communications Commission is looking to determine if providing a default search engine limits consumer choice.  I am going to go out on a limb here, but Apple is all about limiting consumer choice.  This is not in a totally bad way they want less options to make for a better user experience.  That said, allowing users to add more then Google or Yahoo as a default search engines is not a huge request.  Heck, it is something a lot of people would want. This limitation of search engine options applies to both mobile Safari and the desktop version.

“Korea is one of a few countries where local search engines are widely used. In this regard, we have sent an email requesting Apple expand user options (for search engines),” the KCC said on condition of anonymity.

In Korea users actually leverage a variety of local search engines so this market has a larger need for search engine options then other markets.  I suspect Google and Yahoo paid premium dollars to be front and center on the iPhone.  It has been reported the Google pays Apple $100 million annually to be the default search engine.  I have no issue with this type of relationship.  What I do wish is as the consumer, I have the option to add another search engine.  Maybe much like Mozilla is paid by Google for search volume, Apple is paid by Google and Yahoo.  Is the limitation here purely driven by revenue paid to Apple?

Such relationships are not bad until you impose absolute restrictions by not allowing users choice.  Are the default settings pushed by Apple ,on the iPhone, right up against anti-competitive behaviors?  Could lack of choice on one of the most popular smartphones actually have a negative impact on competition? Is this how and where government regulation starts with Apple?

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