Competition Commission of India orders probe into Google Play Store.
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has ordered an investigation into Google’s Play Store policies, alleging abuse of dominance. In an order on Friday, the regulator’s investigative arm has been given two months to conduct the probe.
Various Indian app developers and digital associations filed a complaint against Google. They raised concerns about several apps being removed arbitrarily and unfair practices related to billing and app monetization on the Play Store.
While Google said it examines the order and takes local laws seriously, it had previously defended its service fee after a CCI examination in 2020-21 found no wrongdoing.
The new complaint was filed by People Interactive and the Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF). Welcoming the probe, ADIF Associate Director Nikhil said fair implementation of billing systems will boost competition and consumer choice while benefiting all stakeholders.
App developers have argued Google’s dominance allows it to impose one-sided terms and discriminatory policies on the Play Store. The CCI will investigate whether these violate domestic competition norms. Its findings could directly change Google’s Play Store’s functioning in India’s large digital market.
This is because global regulators, including those in the European Union, have increasingly scrutinized Google’s app store practices. The CCI probe will be closely watched as it could impact the tech giant’s policies for the 130 crore Indian internet users.
