Indian market regulator announced a fine of US Internet giant Google on the 25th, ordering Google to allow software developers to use third-party payment software. This is the second time in a week that the agency has imposed a heavy fine on Google for hindering competition.
In a statement, the Competition Commission of India accuses Google of using its "dominant position" to force software developers to use Google's in-app payment system. The statement pointed out that selling in-app digital goods is a key profit-making path for software developers and Google should not limit such rights. The committee also asked Google to take eight rectification measures within three months, including no longer restricting "software developers from using third-party payment processing services, whether for in-app purchases or out-of-app purchases."
On March 6, 2012, visitors visited the Google booth at the Hannover Information and Communication Technology Expo held at the Hannover Convention and Exhibition Center in Germany. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Ma Ning
A Google spokesperson said that the Indian side’s penalty decision is being studied to evaluate the next steps. According to the law, Google can appeal to the Indian court to overturn the above order of the Competition Commission.
According to Reuters , after receiving the report, the Indian side launched an investigation into Google's payment system in 2020. The penalty decision is good news for Indian startups and small businesses that have long been subject to Google payment restrictions. According to data from ContPoint Research, the United States, more than 90% of the more than 600 million smartphones in the Indian market use Android systems.
Google's practice of forcing software developers to use their in-app payment system and collecting handling fees has also been criticized in other countries and regions.
The Indian Competition Commission announced a fine of US$162 million on Google on the 20th, because Google forced Android operating system users to use its pre-installed Google programs, such as the video sharing website "Youtu" and the search engine Chrome browser, to "illegally" expel competitors from the market.
In addition, Google is facing another investigation in India to target its business practices in the smart TV market.
Source: Xinhua News Agency
Process Editor: TF022
