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CCI orders probe into Google's Play Store billing policies, says 'they violate competition law'

IndianStartupNews

IndianStartupNews · 1y ago

CCI orders probe into Google's Play Store billing policies, says 'they violate competition law'

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has launched an investigation into Google's Play Store billing policies following complaints from Indian companies. The inquiry was prompted by concerns over Google's imposition of service fees on in-app purchases, which some argue unfairly impact operational costs and market access. Google's billing policy mandates the use of its own payment systems, leading to a significant commission. The CCI's investigation will evaluate whether these practices violate competition laws and abuse Google's dominant market position. The Supreme Court is also set to hear the case, with further clarity expected in the next 60 days.

Related News

Competition watchdog orders probe into Google's Play Store billing policies

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

Competition watchdog orders probe into Google's Play Store billing policies

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has announced an investigation into Google's Play Store billing policies. Indian internet companies have expressed concerns over Google's practice of charging a commission of 11-30% on in-app purchases made by their users. The CCI believes that Google may have violated provisions of the Competition Act and has ordered a detailed probe into the matter. Earlier this year, Google delisted several apps for violating its billing policies, but reinstated them after intervention from the Indian government.

Google billing issue: CCI denies interim relief to Indian internet firms

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

Google billing issue: CCI denies interim relief to Indian internet firms

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has dismissed interim pleas by Indian internet companies urging the antitrust watchdog to restrict Google from levying commissions for in-app purchases and delisting apps for non-compliance with Google's Play Store policies. The denial of interim relief by CCI follows an investigation initiated on March 15 into Google's Play Store billing norms on charges of violating competition laws. The pleas were filed by People Interactive and Mebigo Labs, which operate Shaadi.com and Kuku FM, respectively.

NCLAT Seeks Google’s Response On Pleas Against CCI Order

Inc42 · 1y ago

NCLAT Seeks Google’s Response On Pleas Against CCI Order

The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has asked Google to respond to a plea from startups against the Competition Commission of India's (CCI) refusal to stay the Play Store billing policy. Google is facing backlash from startups after it delisted some apps for not complying with the payments policies. The CCI had dismissed the startups' earlier requests for interim relief from Google's commission on developers. The next hearing is scheduled for May 24th.

NCLAT asks Google, CCI to respond to firms challenging Play Store billing policy

Livemint

Livemint · 1y ago

NCLAT asks Google, CCI to respond to firms challenging Play Store billing policy

The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has requested Google and the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to respond to challenges regarding Google's user choice billing policy made by startups and other entities. The hearing has been postponed until 24 May. Companies including Kuku FM, Shaadi.com, the Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation, and the Indian Digital Media Industry Foundation have been seeking interim protection from Google's service fees. The CCI had launched an investigation into Google's Play Store policies, stating that Google's unified codebase may be an abuse of its dominant position.

Searching for Google: Will legal hurdles threaten tech giant’s grip on India?

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

Searching for Google: Will legal hurdles threaten tech giant’s grip on India?

Google is facing regulatory hurdles in India as the country's antitrust watchdog, the Competition Commission of India (CCI), ordered a probe into Google's Play Store billing policies. Indian companies have raised concerns about hosting their apps on the platform, accusing Google of limiting consumer choice. While the CCI dismissed a request for interim relief, allowing the probe to continue, Google's regulatory challenges persist. Regulators worldwide have concluded that Google's app store practices hinder competition, and the ecosystem needs to be opened up for innovation to thrive, according to experts.

CCI Orders Probe Into Google’s User Choice Billing System

Inc42 · 1y ago

CCI Orders Probe Into Google’s User Choice Billing System

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has ordered an investigation into Google's user choice billing system, following a recent standoff between Indian app publishers and the tech giant. The CCI found Google to be in violation of various sections of the competition law. The CCI's director general has been instructed to conduct the investigation and submit a detailed report within two months. The investigation will focus on whether Google's billing system hampers competition in the market.

CCI orders probe against Google on Winzo’s complaint

Economic Times

Economic Times · 7m ago

CCI orders probe against Google on Winzo’s complaint

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has ordered an investigation into Google for potential antitrust violations following a complaint by online gaming company Winzo. The investigation will look into allegations of Google's abuse of its dominant position and restrictive policies towards online gaming companies. Winzo claims that Google's Developer Distribution Agreement and Developer Program Policies contain unreasonable conditions, and that the Play Store restricts hosting of gaming apps offering real money games in India. The CCI has instructed its director general to submit a report within 60 days.

NCLAT defers hearing on Google's Play Store billing policy to July 5

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

NCLAT defers hearing on Google's Play Store billing policy to July 5

The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has postponed the hearing on petitions against Google's Play Store billing policy to July 5. The Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation, Indian Digital Media Industry Foundation, People Interactive India, and Mebigo Labs have filed petitions challenging the policy. During the proceedings, the app developers requested status quo, but Google refused to provide an undertaking. The app companies had previously filed complaints with the Competition Commission of India (CCI), which dismissed their pleas, prompting them to challenge the decision before the NCLAT. CCI had earlier ordered an investigation into Google's Play Store pricing policy.

CCI declines interim relief to Indian developers in Google app billing case

IndianStartupNews

IndianStartupNews · 1y ago

CCI declines interim relief to Indian developers in Google app billing case

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has rejected the request for interim relief by Indian app developers against Google's Play Store billing policy. This decision comes in response to the CCI's observation earlier in March, which suggested that Google's User Choice Billing system potentially violates India's Competition Act. The CCI stated that the developers did not demonstrate the need for interim relief or the irreparable harm caused by Google's actions. While disappointed with the outcome, the developers remain hopeful about their ongoing case against Google's alleged monopolistic practices. Google, on the other hand, defends its User Choice Billing system.

CCI’s INR 936 Cr Penalty Was Amorphous: Google To NCLAT

Inc42 · 1y ago

CCI’s INR 936 Cr Penalty Was Amorphous: Google To NCLAT

Google argued before the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) that the penalty of INR 936 Cr imposed by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) on the company was unfounded. Google's counsel claimed that the charges were based on assumptions and that there was no violation of regulations. The counsel also mentioned that the Google Play Billing System (GPBS) and Google Pay do not prevent other payment processors from entering the Indian market. The CCI was accused of ignoring that Google follows regulations for its UPI app, Google Pay. The CCI recently ordered a probe into Google's user choice billing system.

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