The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has ordered (28 November) a detailed investigation into allegations against Google, filed by Winzo Games Private Limited, claiming abuse of dominance in the real-money gaming (RMG) and online advertising sectors. The case involves Google LLC, Alphabet Inc., and their Indian subsidiaries.
Key Allegations by Winzo Games:
- Exclusion from Google Play Store: Google allegedly restricts certain RMG apps, such as those hosted by Winzo, from being listed on its Play Store. The selective inclusion of Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and Rummy apps is claimed to create a biased playing field.
- Ad Policy Discrimination: Winzo alleges that Google Ads only permits DFS and Rummy apps to advertise, denying similar access to other RMG apps, thereby limiting their market visibility.
- Sideloading Warnings: Google’s warnings for users sideloading apps from external sources are claimed to deter users and harm Winzo’s reputation.
- Payment Warnings: Google allegedly issues arbitrary warnings when users attempt payments to non-Play Store apps via Google Pay, creating barriers for competitors like Winzo.
CCI’s Prima Facie Observations:
- The exclusion of non-DFS and non-Rummy RMG apps appears to deny market access and create unfair conditions, potentially violating Sections 4(2)(a)(i), 4(2)(b), and 4(2)(c) of the Competition Act, 2002.
- Google’s prolonged pilot program for selected RMG apps and its ad policies seem to distort competition in the gaming sector.
Investigation Ordered: The CCI directed its Director General to investigate the matter and submit a report within 60 days. The inquiry will assess whether Google’s policies and practices in its Play Store and advertising platforms disadvantage certain app developers and harm competition.
This marks another chapter in Google’s ongoing regulatory scrutiny in India, emphasizing its influence in the digital ecosystem.
Source: https://www.cci.gov.in/antitrust/orders/details/1160/0
