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Time of India
22-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Google settles Android TV antitrust case in India with Rs 20 crore penalty, read the company's statement here
Representative Image Google has agreed to pay a penalty of Rs 20.2 crore to settle an Android TV matter with the Competition Commission of India (CCI). This comes after the competition watchdog found a prima facie case of abuse of dominant position by the tech giant. As part of the settlement (that Google applied under Section 48A of the Competition Act), the company has agreed to a 'New India Agreement'. This will allow Google to offer separate licences for the Play Store and Play Services on Android smart TVs in India. The latest agreement will even remove the need for TV manufacturers to bundle these licences or set default placement rules. The latest settlement follows previous penalties imposed on the company by the CCI in cases related to its Play Store policies and dominance in the Android mobile ecosystem. What Google said about the CCI settlement Confirming its decision to settle with the CCI, the company said: 'Google is committed to abiding by applicable local laws in every country where we operate and are grateful to the CCI for the opportunity to engage and present our case. We also thank the CCI for instituting processes which enable constructive engagements between companies and the market, allowing for continued investment and growth.' The case began with a complaint filed by Kshitiz Arya and Purushottam Anand under Section 19(1)(a) of the Competition Act, 2002. It was directed against Google LLC, Google India Pvt Ltd, Xiaomi Technology India, and TCL India Holding, alleging that Google had violated provisions of the Act by using its dominant position to impose restrictive agreements on TV manufacturers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo The CCI also noted that Google will waive the need for a valid Android Compatibility Commitment (ACC) for devices shipped without Google apps. This will enable TV manufacturers to build and sell non-compatible Android devices in India without breaching the Television App Distribution Agreement (TADA). ".. considering the material on record and the assessment of the settlement proposal after taking into consideration the nature, gravity, and impact of the contraventions, the commission agrees to the proposal for settlement in terms of Section 48A (3) of the Act and the settlement regulations. The final settlement amount, after applying a settlement discount of 15%, is Rs 20.2 crore," CCI said in a statement.


India Today
22-04-2025
- Business
- India Today
Android TV makers in India no longer forced to bundle Google Play Store, says CCI
Google has recently been facing several antitrust lawsuits, highlighting its wrongful monopoly in the market. One such case has also been filed in India. Filed by two Indian antitrust lawyers, the case now comes to an end. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has finally stated that Google has been 'misusing its dominant position' to cut out the competition to stand a chance. advertisementAfter the CCI's ruling, Android TV makers in India are no longer mandated to bundle Google's OS, Google Play Store or any other pre-installed apps. Google to follow new laws in India Google has submitted a settlement application under Section 48A of the Competition Act, signalling its agreement with what is being called the "New India Agreement". As part of this arrangement, the tech giant will now offer separate licences for its Play Store and Play Services specifically for Android-based smart televisions in India. According to the Competition Commission of India (CCI), this move eliminates the prior obligation to bundle these services together or to enforce conditions such as default app placement. Furthermore, Google has agreed to forgo the requirement for a valid Android Compatibility Commitment (ACC) for smart TVs shipped to India that do not come pre-installed with Google applications. This shift means television manufacturers can now develop and market Android devices that do not meet traditional compatibility standards without breaching Google's Television App Distribution Agreement (TADA), the CCI its statement, the Commission remarked, "considering the material on record and the assessment of the settlement proposal after taking into consideration the nature, gravity, and impact of the contraventions, the commission agrees to the proposal for settlement in terms of Section 48A (3) of the Act and the settlement regulations.' Google to pay Rs 20.2 crore as penaltyFollowing the application of a 15 per cent discount on the penalty, the final settlement amount payable stands at Rs 20.2 development stems from a case initiated by two individuals, Kshitiz Arya and Purushottam Anand, who lodged a complaint under Section 19(1)(a) of the Competition Act, 2002. The complaint was directed against Google LLC, Google India Pvt Ltd, Xiaomi Technology India, and TCL India Holding, alleging violations of multiple provisions of the called out for online advertising dominanceIn a significant decision handed down this week, a US judge has ruled that Google unlawfully sustained its dominance within the digital advertising sector. The court determined that Google had 'willfully acquired and maintained monopoly power' across two critical components: publisher ad servers and ad exchanges. These platforms form the backbone of how online adverts are bought and sold — a vital income stream for news organisations and digital content creators exclusionary behaviour not only blocked rivals from competing fairly, but also caused considerable harm to Google's publishing clients, disrupted fair competition, and adversely affected users accessing information across the open internet,' the judge stated, as reported by ruling found that Google had actively distorted the advertising landscape to sideline competitors, ultimately restricting options for publishers and driving up costs for In


Time of India
21-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Google to pay Rs 20 crore to settle Android TV case
NEW DELHI: Google has opted for a settlement with the Competition Commission of India (CCI) and payment of a penalty of Rs 20.2 crore in the Android TV issue, where the fairplay regulator found a prima facie case of abuse of dominant position by the global tech giant. This follows the two penalties that CCI previously slapped on Google, regarding its Play Store policies and its dominance in the Android operating system. In the TV case, Google filed a settlement application under Section 48A of the Competition Act, giving consent for a 'New India Agreement', under which it will provide a standalone licence for the Play Store and Play Services for Android smart TVs in India. This will remove the requirement to bundle these services or impose default placement conditions, CCI said. Additionally, by waiving the need for a valid Android Compatibility Commitment (ACC) for devices shipped into India that do not include Google apps, TV companies can now sell and develop incompatible Android devices, without violating Google's Television App Distribution Agreement (TADA), it added. "... considering the material on record and the assessment of the settlement proposal after taking into consideration the nature, gravity, and impact of the contraventions, the commission agrees to the proposal for settlement in terms of Section 48A (3) of the Act and the settlement regulations. The final settlement amount, after applying a settlement discount of 15%, is Rs 20.2 crore," CCI said. The case originated from the information filed by two individuals, Kshitiz Arya and Purushottam Anand , under Section 19(1)(a) of the Act, 2002 against Google LLC, Google India Pvt Ltd, Xiaomi Technology India, and TCL India Holding for alleged contravention of various provisions of the Act. The gist of the allegation was that Google misused its dominant position by enforcing restrictive agreements on TV makers. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . Master Value & Valuation with ET! Learn to invest smartly & decode financials. Limited seats at 33% off – Enroll now!