Google resolves its Android TV antitrust dispute with the CCI by providing a ₹20.24 crore payment and modifying its OEM agreements. The settlement represents the initial case under India’s revised Competition Act which includes provisions for settlements and commitments.
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) charged Google with abusing its market dominance through mandatory Play Store bundling and restrictions on Android fork development. The actions were deemed anti-competitive and stifled innovation and violated Section 4 of the Competition Act.
Google introduced the “New India Agreement” as a solution which separates Play Store licensing from other services and eliminates bundling requirements. The new policy enables OEMs to install alternative operating systems and app stores without breaking previous agreements with Google.
The majority of CCI members accepted the settlement although one member opposed it. Google must fulfill this agreement for five years while submitting yearly compliance reports. The settlement becomes void if Google fails to fulfill these requirements.
The development occurred during a US diplomatic visit which demonstrated increasing Indian attention toward tech giants. Google remains under active investigation by the CCI regarding its digital news and Play Store billing practices.
