View: Big tech, don't be a big brother
economictimes.indiatimes.comCCI ordered an investigation into Google's Play Store billing policies, saying that the tech giant has prima facie violated the Competition Act. It asked the director general to probe the issue and submit a report in 60 days.
Google earlier offered the Play Billing System (GPBS), under which app developers could only offer the tech giant's own payment method for in-app purchases and were levied a commission of 15-30%. This was held uncompetitive by CCI in 2022. Following this, Google introduced user-choice billing system (UCBS). Under UCBS, apps could offer other payment methods, such as UPI, credit cards and net banking, but it would also attract a commission rate of 11-26%. Internet apps approached CCI, alleging that UCBS was GPBS in a newer avatar and violated CCI's earlier order.
In its 21-page March order, CCI said that imposition by Google resulted in app developers having fewer resources to enhance or develop their app offerings, thereby constraining the growth of the app market.
In February, Google removed more than a dozen popular apps, including Info Edge's Naukri.com and 99acres.com, Matrimony.com's BharatMatrimony, People Interactive's Shaadi.com, online podcast platform Kuku FM, and online dating app TrulyMadly, from its Play Store for not complying with UCBS. They were later restored after GoI intervened.
CCI's investigation has raised issues about the tech giant's dominance in the digital marketplace and its Play Store pricing policies. While Google has been in the crosshairs in the US and EU, as
