In October last year, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) fined Google approximately Rs 2,280 crore in two cases for abusing its dominant position in Android and forcing developers to adopt the in-app payment system. In the latest development, IT minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, has said that the government plans to take action against Google.
Chandrasekhar told news agency Reuters in an interview that the findings are “serious” and cause “deep concern” to India’s federal government, which will take its own action against Google.
“The ministry has to take action. We have thought through it. You will see it in the coming weeks. Certainly it’s not something that we will leave and push under the carpet,” he said.
Chandrasekhar also said the issue “is worrisome, not just for us, it’s worrisome for the entire digital ecosystem in India”.
Tension between Indian companies and Google
The development comes as a few startups in India asked the CCI to probe Google for alleged non-compliance with an antitrust directive by charging a high service fee from developers for in-app payments.
Recently, a news report claimed that the competition body has begun enquiry into the allegations.
Google previously said the service fee supports investments in the Google Play app store and the Android mobile operating system. This ensures it can distribute the service for free, the company added.
Following the Android antitrust order, Google made changes to how it markets the Android OS in the country.
Other companies such as Apple and Amazon also face cases against them for potential anti-competitive practices in India. Chandrasekhar said the government was keen to take steps to ensure India’s digital economy is protected, the Reuters report said.
“We don’t want it to be growth in a way that distorts consumer choice or free competition,” he was quoted as saying.
“We will certainly be looking into what the government needs to do to prevent anybody, including but not limited to Google, from abusing their market power or market dominance,” he said.
FacebookTwitterLinkedin
end of article