Google’s Antitrust Tune-Up: India’s Bold Move Unplugs Android TV Restrictions

Google has settled an antitrust case under India's new Competition Act for the first time, closing a four-year Android TV dominance probe. CCI approved Google's ₹20.24 crore ($2.4M) settlement which mandates unbundled app licensing and frees manufacturers from restrictive arrangements.

 

Gist of terms:

 

New India Agreement: Manufacturers are free to license Play Store separately and avoid pre-installing YouTube/Google apps.

 

Freedom Forked Android: OEMs can develop proprietary OS versions (e.g., Fire OS, Jio TeleOS) unencumbered by Google.

 

Annual compliance audits: Google must report to CCI with fines for non-compliance.

 

Legal analysts describe this as a "dialogue-based regulatory change", as manufacturers enjoy freedom of choice in India's $7B smart TV space.

 

Sources: BW Businessworld, Times of India, ET Telecom