Competition Commission of India Orders Recall of Reports on Apple's Antitrust Investigation

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has ordered an unusual recall of reports of an investigation that found Apple breached competition laws, after the company complained that its commercial secrets were disclosed to its opponents.

According to Reuters, the move will prolong a case that began in 2021 that revolves around Apple’s abuse of its dominant position in the app market, which forces developers to use its proprietary in-app purchase system, at a fee of up to 30 per cent

The order follows Apple's private complaint to the CCI that versions of reports shared with parties disclosed "Apple's confidential commercial sensitive information" adding that the watchdog must "recall and withdraw" them, the order showed.

CCI has ordered all of Apple’s opponents involved in the case to return their reports. Tinder owner Match and Indian start-up group ADIF, which owns Paytm are the ones who are asked by the agency to return the report.

"It is imperative that such information be maintained confidential, ensuring that no unauthorised disclosure occurs," the watchdog, the Competition Commission of India, (CCI), reportedly said in a four-page order signed by its top four officials over Apple's complaint.

The order did not say what confidential information was disclosed to its opponents, but sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters that the disclosure pertained to the company's revenue from its India app store and figures on Market share.

On the back of the allegations, Apple denied any wrongdoing saying it was a small player in India, where phones using Google's Android system are dominant.

Out of India's 690 million smartphones by mid-2024, Apple's iOS powered about 3.5 per cent with the rest using Android, says Counterpoint Research. It further added that Apple's domestic smartphone base in India has become five times larger in as many years.

The development comes amidst Apple facing antitrust heat across the globe. The European Union in June Last year stated that the company breached its bloc's tech rules, which could cost the company a heft fine. It also faces an inquiry into new fees imposed on app developers.