Competition Commission of India (CCI) fined Google

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• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has imposed a provisional penalty of Rs 1,337.76 crore ($162 million) on Google for “abusing its market dominant position” in multiple categories related to the Android mobile device ecosystem in the country.

About

• Google Unfair Business Practices investigation was ordered by CCI in 2019 following complaints by consumers of Android-based smartphones in the country.
• Google had mandated pre-installation of the entire Google Mobile Suite (GMS) by OEMs under Mobile Application Distribution Agreement (MADA), which could not be uninstalled.
• This action of Google amounted to imposition of unfair conditions on the device manufacturers and thereby violated Section 4 of the competition Act.
  • Section 4 of the Competition Act is related to abuse of dominant position.

Competition Commission of India (CCI)

• CCI is a statutory body under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and is responsible for enforcing the Competition Act, 2002.
• It consists of a Chairperson and 6 Members appointed by the Central Government.
• Objectives:
  • Eliminate practices having adverse effect on competition
  • Promote and sustain competition
  • Protect the interests of consumers
  • Ensure freedom of trade in the markets of India

Source:IE