CCI initiates investigation into Google’s Play Store policies
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Friday ordered an investigation into the Google Play Store, accusing the tech giant of exploiting its dominant position in the country’s online market.
The CCI said Google allegedly enacted unfair terms and discriminatory practices on its Play Store, violating several provisions of the country’s antitrust law. The investigation department of the CCI has been given 60 days to complete the investigation.
The company said it is studying the CCI’s order to initiate the investigation.
“CCI has previously investigated our service charges in detail from 2020-2022 and found no illegality. However, we take seriously our commitment to comply with local laws and regulations in India and will fully cooperate with the process,” a Google spokesperson told IANS.
The CCI’s decision came after several Indian app developers and industry groups filed a complaint against Google, raising concerns about the company’s unfair practices following the removal of several of their apps. The applications were later returned.
The CCI investigation has been initiated following a new complaint by People Interactive and some other developers, which specifically concerns the Google Play service fee.
Prateek Jain, Deputy Director of The Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF) said in a statement that they appreciate the commitment of regulators like CCI to promote a level playing field for businesses.
“We believe that fair implementation and monitoring of billing systems will lead to competitive pricing of services in the market, increase innovation, secure consumer choice and benefit all stakeholders in the digital ecosystem,” added Jain.
