April 21, 2025 – New Delhi — The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved a $2.4 million settlement proposal from Google in a landmark antitrust case involving the Android TV ecosystem. This is the first settlement of its kind under India’s new Competition Commission (Settlement) Regulations, 2024.
The case began with complaints from Kshitiz Arya and Purushottam Anand, who alleged that Google abused its dominant position in the licensable Smart TV operating system market in India. The core accusation was that Google forced Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) into restrictive agreements—such as mandatory bundling of the Play Store with Android TV OS and prohibiting the use or development of forked Android versions—effectively curbing competition and innovation.
After a detailed probe, the CCI found Google dominant in both the Android Smart TV OS and app store markets in India. It concluded that Google’s agreements—the Television App Distribution Agreement (TADA) and Android Compatibility Commitments (ACC)—imposed unfair conditions on OEMs. These included compulsory pre-installation of its full app bundle (Google TV Services), restrictions on rival software, and tying key services like YouTube to access the Play Store, violating Section 4 of the Competition Act, 2002.
While no contravention of Section 3(4) (exclusive supply and refusal to deal) was found, the CCI proceeded with a settlement process under Section 48A. Google’s application proposed structural changes under a new “New India Agreement.” This includes offering standalone licenses for the Play Store and Play Services for smart TVs, removing bundling obligations, and lifting ACC requirements for devices shipped without Google apps—opening the door for OEMs to develop and sell incompatible Android versions.
After reviewing feedback from 45 stakeholders and considering the seriousness and market impact of the violations, the Commission accepted the proposal with a 15% discount on the penalty. The final settlement amount stands at ₹20.24 crore (approximately $2.4 million USD).
A public version of the CCI’s decision is available at www.cci.gov.in.
Source: https://www.cci.gov.in/media-gallery/press-release/details/516/0
