I disagree with a lot of what google is doing. It's unfair that google seems to have a free spot and do not have to compete in the bidding here [0]. IANAL, so

I disagree with a lot of what google is doing. It's unfair that google seems to have a free spot and do not have to compete in the bidding here [0]. IANAL, so I wonder if this really fulfils what Google is trying to achieve legally. They are giving users more choice but they are effectively using their market position (Android) to get more google search usage seemingly unfairly so I would think this would lead to more anti-trust issues for them. That said, I agree with dahdum, I don't see why any of these providers should get any help in a competitive bid. If Ecosia sees value in being here there is a price to be paid, I would be surprised if they didn't pay for all the advertising they have done. -0 "Search providers are required to apply for inclusion through a bidding process to become one of three alternative choices to Google Search" - from Article