CCI slaps ₹936.44 crore fine on Google: Here’s Google’s answer

he said that Google App developers must not be restricted from using any third-party billing or payment processing services, either for in-app purchases or for in-app purchases. “The Commission hereby directs Google to prohibit and cease indulging in anti-competitive practices,” CCI said in a statement.

In response, a Google spokesperson said, “We are committed to our users and developers and are reviewing the decision to evaluate the next steps,” according to a tweet by news agency ANI.

“Indian developers have benefited from the technology, security, consumer protection and unmatched choice and flexibility that Android and Google Play provide. While keeping costs low, our model has driven India’s digital transformation and expanded its reach to millions of Indians”, the spokesperson said.

Second fine in a month

This is the second fine imposed by India’s competition watchdog on Google this month. Earlier, Google was fined $162 million 1,337.76 crore by CCI for anti-competitive practices related to Android. In an investigation conducted by the CCI, Google was found to be abusing its commanding position in the local smartphone market. Upon investigation, it was found that “Google has maintained its dominant position in the online search market resulting in the denial of market access to competing search apps in contravention of section 4(2)(c) of the Act.” Google has taken advantage of its dominant position in the Play Store to protect its dominant position in general online search in contravention of section 4(2)(e) of the Act.”

The California-based company’s Android mobile operating system is by far the dominant player in India and runs on 95 percent of all smartphones in the country, according to research agency Counterpoint.