Google’s ₹20 Crore Plot Twist: Android TV Makers Break Free from Monopoly Grip

Image Source: NDTV

Google has agreed to pay ₹20.24 crore to the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to resolve a high-profile antitrust investigation into its Android TV business practices. This is the first settlement under India's revised Competition Act, which added new settlement and commitment provisions in 2023.

Key Highlights:

The CCI determined that Google had abused its market dominance in the Android TV space by compelling TV makers to pre-install the Play Store and other Google apps, and by preventing the use or creation of competing Android versions. These actions purportedly suppressed competition and innovation in India's burgeoning smart TV market.
The case opened following complaints filed by two parties in 2021, followed by a rigorous investigation by the CCI. Google's proposed settlement involved a monetary fine along with substantial business changes.
Following the new "New India Agreement," Google is now offering an independent licence for the Play Store and Play Services for Android television sets in India, eliminating the earlier mandate for bundling the services or exacting default position conditions.
Google will also suspend the requirement of a valid Android Compatibility Commitment (ACC) for India-bound shipments that do not come with Google apps, and TV companies can produce and sell incompatible Android devices without infringing on Google's previous commitments.
The CCI has directed Google to abide by these conditions for five years and file annual compliance reports. Non-compliance would result in the termination of the settlement.

The move split the CCI, with one of its members dissenting, but the majority agreed to the settlement, viewing it as an effort to encourage more competition and innovation in India's smart TV market.

Source: Times of India, Business Today, Exchange4Media, Hindustan Times, CNBC TV18, BW Marketing World, The Hindu Business Line