Alphabet’s Google was fined 9.36 billion Indian rupees on Tuesday as India completed another antitrust investigation this month, finding the US tech company guilty of abusing its market position to promote its payment app and in-app payment system.
It was fined $162 million (about Rs. 1,341 crore) by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Thursday for anti-competitive practices related to Android.
On Friday, Google said the Indian antitrust watchdog’s decision to raise the Rs. 1338 crore for anticompetitive practices was a “major setback” for consumers and businesses in the country.
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) said on Thursday that Google has used its dominant position in markets such as online search and app store for Android to protect the position of its apps such as Chrome and YouTube in mobile web browsers and online video hosting.
In addition to the fine, the CCI has also ordered Google to change its approach to its Android platform and limit certain revenue-sharing agreements with smartphone makers.
“Android has opened up more choice for everyone, supporting thousands of successful businesses in India and around the world,” a Google spokesperson said last week.
“The CCI’s decision is a major setback for Indian consumers and businesses, posing serious security risks for Indians who trust Android’s security features, and increasing the cost of mobile devices for Indians.” Google said it will review the decision to evaluate next steps.
© Thomson Reuters 2022
