Google gets second hefty fine in India! The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has concluded another antitrust investigation into Alphabet Inc’s Google for allegedly abusing its market share to stifle competition.

On Tuesday, Google was fined $113.04 million (Rs. 936 crore). On October 20, Google was fined Rs. 1,337 crore by CCI. The new fine marks the second one in less than a week for Google in India.

Unsplash

Why Google was fined twice

The new fine pertains to Google’s payments apps and in-app payment system; the CCI directed Google to “not restrict app developers from using any third party billing/payment processing services.”

Also read: Google Fined Rs. 1,337 Crore In India For ‘Abusing Dominant Position’

Unsplash

The CCI, in a release, added that Google has been asked to change its conduct within a stipulated time period. According to the antitrust agency, Google forces app developers to use its in-app payment system, noting that selling in-app digital goods constitute a major chunk of how creators monetise their goods. “The Commission hereby directs Google to cease and desist from indulging in anti-competitive practices,” CCI said in a statement on Tuesday.

Case Nos. 07 of 2020, 14 of 2021 and 35 of 2021

CCI imposes a monetary penalty of ₹ 936.44 Crore on Google for anti-competitive practices in relation to its Play Store policies.
Read the full order here: https://t.co/GDR820ffYg
Press release: https://t.co/7HEPJeHVK3#Antitrust pic.twitter.com/TbTa6vbCXl

— CCI (@CCI_India) October 25, 2022

 Now, app developers in India will not be restricted by Google from using any third-party billing or payment services – be it for in-app purchases or for standalone app purchases.

Also read: Google Just Killed Its Cloud Gaming Service Stadia: What Happens To Your Library Now?

Unsplash

Google charges commissions of up to 305 on purchases made within an app on Android. Slowly, countries are forcing Big Tech giants like Google to open up their ecosystem to others.

What do you think about this blow to Google in India? Let us know in the comments below. For more in the world of technology and science, keep reading Indiatimes.com.

References

Google fined Rs 936 crore in second antitrust penalty this month. (2022, October 25). The Economic Times. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/google-fined-113-million-in-second-antitrust-penalty-this-month/articleshow/95080594.cms