Google’s conduct may result in denial of market access for competing apps: CCI


PTI, Jul 2, 2019, 9:57 AM IST

New Delhi: The Competition Commission has ordered a detailed probe against Google for alleged abuse of Android mobile platform after concluding that the conduct might result in denial of market access for competing apps.

The order came on a complaint which alleged that the search giant indulged in anti-competitive practices by mandating smartphone and tablet manufacturers to exclusively pre-install Google’s applications and services in smartphones manufactured or sold in India.

Besides, it was also alleged that Google prevents device manufacturers in India from developing and marketing modified and potentially competing versions of Android for other devices, thereby allegedly hindering the development and market access of rival mobile applications.

Ordering the investigation, the watchdog said it is of the prima facie opinion that “mandatory pre-installation of entire GMS (Google Mobile Services) suite under MADA (Mobile Application Distribution Agreement) amounts to imposition of unfair condition on the device manufacturers” which contravenes competition norms.

It also amounts to prima facie leveraging of Google’s dominance in Play Store to protect the relevant markets such as online general search, the 14-page order said.

“Mobile search has emerged as a key gateway for users to access information and Android is a key distribution channel for mobile search engines.

“Search engines exhibit data-driven scale effects. Improvements in search algorithm require sufficient volume of data, which, in turn, needs sufficient volume of queries from users who are increasingly resorting to mobile search.

“Thus, the impugned conduct of Google may help perpetuate its dominance in the online search market while resulting in denial of market access for competing search apps…,” the order said.

According to the CCI, Google’s plea that MADA pre-installation conditions are not exclusive or exclusionary can also be appropriately examined during the investigation.

The probe would also look at the role of persons who were in charge of and were responsible to the companies at the time the alleged contravention was committed.

“The Director General (DG) will also investigate such officers of the companies who consented to or connived in respect of the alleged contravention or the alleged contravention was attributable to any neglect on the part of such officers,” the CCI said.

The regulator has directed the DG to complete the investigation and submit the report within a period of 150 days.

Responding to the allegations, Google contested that the pre-installation obligation is limited in scope.

“Android users have considerable freedom to customise their phones and install apps that compete with Google’s. Consumers can quickly and easily move or disable pre-installed apps, including Google’s apps,” it said.

The order dated April 16, 2019 has now been made public by the CCI.

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.

Top News

Wanted to kill Ajmal Kasab who caused so much of pain, recalls 26/11 terror attack victim

Two retired revenue officials among four arrested in land grabbing case in Jammu

Kerala govt to revise manual for junior doctors, house surgeons

State can interfere with religious practices if they impede development, equality rights: SC

Four cheers at MP’s Kuno park; cheetah Neerva gives birth to cub quartet

HC directs Delhi govt to appoint ex-officio members to state mental health authority

‘Challenge after 44 years’: Supreme Court junks pleas against ‘socialist’, ‘secular’ in Preamble

Related Articles More

Rapid digital expansion to create over 1 lakh new jobs in fiber tech in India in next 5 years

National Consumer Helpline to roll out AI-based features, partners with 1,000 firms

BTS2024: If India can make rocket sensors, it can also make car sensors, says ISRO chief Somanath

World COPD Day: Know your lung function

SpaceX successfully launches ISRO’s 4,700 kg communication satellite from US

MUST WATCH

Coconut Flower

Prakash Belawadi

Naxal Leader Vikram Gowda

Christmas Cake Fruit Mixing

DK Shivakumar


Latest Additions

Wanted to kill Ajmal Kasab who caused so much of pain, recalls 26/11 terror attack victim

Two retired revenue officials among four arrested in land grabbing case in Jammu

Kerala govt to revise manual for junior doctors, house surgeons

State can interfere with religious practices if they impede development, equality rights: SC

Four cheers at MP’s Kuno park; cheetah Neerva gives birth to cub quartet

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.