New Delhi— Google has paid ₹20.24 crore (approximately $2.4 million) to settle an antitrust case with the Competition Commission of India (CCI) over alleged abuse of dominance in the Android TV market.
This marks the first settlement under India’s amended Competition Act, which introduced provisions for settlement and commitments in 2023, the CCI said in a statement on Monday.
The case began in 2021 following complaints that Google imposed restrictive terms on television manufacturers to access its Android TV operating system. A detailed investigation was subsequently launched.
To resolve the matter, Google submitted a settlement proposal that included key changes under what is now called the “New India Agreement.” As part of the agreement, Google will offer a standalone license for the Play Store and Play Services on Android smart TVs in India, eliminating the requirement to bundle these services or mandate default app placements.
The CCI noted that the changes will also allow OEMs to ship smart TVs without Google apps and still remain compliant, enabling them to create and sell Android-based devices that aren’t bound by Google’s compatibility restrictions.
The watchdog accepted the settlement, closing a case that had raised concerns about Google’s alleged anticompetitive practices, including blocking the development of rival operating systems and imposing unnecessary obligations on manufacturers.
The case highlights India’s increasing scrutiny of major global tech firms and reinforces the need for fair competition in the rapidly growing smart TV market. (Source: IANS)
