CCI Slaps Rs 1,337.76 Crore Penalty On Google for abusing dominant position

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) on October 20 slapped Rs 1,337.76 crore penalty on Google for abusing dominant position in markets in android mobile device ecosystem

The regulator has also directed the internet major to cease and desist from unfair business practices.

The Commission has directed Google to modify its conduct within a defined timeline.

In April 2019, the regulator ordered a detailed probe in the matter following complaints by consumers of Android-based smartphones in the country. 

The allegations of unfair business practices pertained to two agreements -- Mobile Application Distribution Agreement (MADA) and Anti Fragmentation Agreement (AFA) -- which were entered into by the OEMs of Android OS with Google.

As per the release, CCI said that mandatory pre-installation of entire Google Mobile Suite (GMS) under MADA, with no option to un-install the same, and their prominent placement amounts to imposition of unfair condition on the device manufacturers and thereby contravenes competition law.

Further, CCI noted that the internet major has leveraged its dominant position in the app store market for Android OS to enter as well as protect its position in non-OS specific web browser market through Google Chrome App.

Google was fined again on October 25 by the anti-trust regulator for abusing its dominant position with respect to its Play Store policies.

This time, the CCI fined Google for Rs 936.44 crore.

The commission also issued a cease-and-desist order in which the regulator prescribed eight corrective measures that Google Play needs to implement to correct the anti-competitive practices.