We all know that Android is the most popular mobile platform in India, but on Friday, Google has been found guilty for using this dominance to its own advantage. This has been reportedly mentioned in a 14-page order by the Competition Commission of India (CCI), quoted in a Reuters report.
The order also states that Google has reduced the ability of handset manufacturers in the country to choose alternate versions of Android. All these allegations have prompted the antitrust body to begin a wider probe on the search giant and its operations in the mobile segment in the country.
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) had ordered an investigation on 10 May, against search engine giant Google for allegedly abusing its dominant position with Android in India.
Google has come under the scrutiny of India’s antitrust commission. Sources have said its control over pre-installing Google Search and Chrome browsers on devices is also part of the accusations.
Back then, a Google spokesperson quoted by Reuters had assured that it is working along with CCI to show how Android has created more competition and innovation in the country, with the help of affordable devices being sold to the consumer.
The order also highlights Google’s condition to handset makers for pre-installing its proprietary apps on their devices. It says Google "reduced the ability and incentive of device manufacturers to develop and sell devices operated on alternate versions of Android. It amounts to prima facie leveraging of Google's dominance".
Even as the probe is ongoing, the Reuters piece suggests that CCI could still clear Google of any wrongdoing. There’s no clarity as to what kind of fine will be levied on Google if the verdict of the probe (likely to go on for another 100 days), goes against the search giant.
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