Google slaps Rs 26,000 crore fine after losing 15 year legal battle over Android
CCI slapped the Rs 26,000 crore after finding Google guilty of abusing its dominance in the Android ecosystem
Google found guilty of abusing Android dominance
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has slapped a Rs 26,000 crore fine on Google after finding the company guilty of abusing its dominance in the Android ecosystem.
The CCI found that Google had imposed unfair conditions on smartphone makers and app developers, which stifled competition and limited consumer choice.
The order comes after a 15-year legal battle between Google and the CCI. The CCI had first initiated an investigation into Google's practices in 2011.
Google's anti-competitive practices
The CCI found that Google had engaged in a number of anti-competitive practices, including:
- Restricting smartphone makers from using other operating systems
- Requiring smartphone makers to pre-install Google apps
- Preventing app developers from distributing apps outside of the Google Play Store
These practices gave Google a significant advantage over its competitors and limited consumer choice.
CCI's order
The CCI's order requires Google to make a number of changes to its practices, including:
- Allowing smartphone makers to use other operating systems
- Allowing app developers to distribute apps outside of the Google Play Store
- Providing equal access to its APIs to all app developers
The CCI also imposed a fine of Rs 26,000 crore on Google for its anti-competitive practices.
Google's response
Google has said that it will appeal the CCI's order. The company has argued that its practices are pro-competitive and that they have benefited consumers.
The CCI's order is a significant victory for consumers and for competition in the Android ecosystem. It is hoped that the order will lead to a more competitive and innovative Android ecosystem.
