[on_and_off]

Is there some context explaining why this is based on an auction ?

If the goal is to prevent Google from using its Android dominance to also dominate search engines, a random sort of the most popular search engines in a given country sounds like a better option.

[aembleton]

Why does Google use an auction to determine the search providers that appear in the choice screen?

    An auction is a fair and objective method to determine which search providers are included in the choice screen. It allows search providers to decide what value they place on appearing in the choice screen and to bid accordingly.
    The auction revenues help us to continue to invest in developing and maintaining the Android platform.

Source: https://www.android.com/choicescreen/

[on_and_off]

I mean : why are they allowed to make it an auction ? If the goal is to break their stronghold on Android, it sounds like it should be mandated as free ?