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- The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has imposed a provisional penalty of Rs 1,337.76 crore ($162 million) on Google for “abusing its market dominant position” in multiple categories related to the Android mobile device ecosystem in the country.
About
- Google Unfair Business Practices investigation was ordered by CCI in 2019 following complaints by consumers of Android-based smartphones in the country.
- Google had mandated pre-installation of the entire Google Mobile Suite (GMS) by OEMs under Mobile Application Distribution Agreement (MADA), which could not be uninstalled.
- This action of Google amounted to imposition of unfair conditions on the device manufacturers and thereby violated Section 4 of the competition Act.
- Section 4 of the Competition Act is related to abuse of dominant position.
Competition Commission of India (CCI)
- CCI is a statutory body under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and is responsible for enforcing the Competition Act, 2002.
- It consists of a Chairperson and 6 Members appointed by the Central Government.
- Objectives:
- Eliminate practices having adverse effect on competition
- Promote and sustain competition
- Protect the interests of consumers
- Ensure freedom of trade in the markets of India
Source:IE
