Indian startups have urged the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to take action against Google’s in-app billing system for alleged antitrust violations.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has been urged to look into Google’s alleged violations of antitrust laws by a number of Indian startups and Tinder’s parent company Match Group.

The businesses claim that Google is exploiting its dominating market position in the Indian app sector to suppress competition and push its own apps.

Is Google Involved In Anti-Competitive Practices for Google’s In-App Billing System?

The Indian startups and Match Group have alleged Google of practicing anti-competitive actions in a joint letter to the CCI, such as pushing its own apps at the adverse effects of other apps in the Google Play Store.

The letter further claimed that Google is preventing developers from utilizing alternative payment methods and pressuring them to use its payment system, which levies a 15% to 30% commission.

Read Also: Can the Indian version of ChatGPT Revolutionize AI

Similar Accusations In Other Countries Too

The letter added that Google’s actions violate the CCI’s regulations, which require Google to provide a level playing field for all applications and developers.

The companies also pointed out that Google has faced similar antitrust probes and penalties in other countries, including the European Union and the United States.

Will CCI Charge Penalty On Google?

The Indian startups and Match Group have requested that the CCI undertake an in-depth investigation into Google’s activities and take proper action in order to ensure that the Indian app market continues to be competitive and fair.

They have also requested that the CCI penalize Google if it comes out to be breaking antitrust laws.

However, Google has not responded to these charges made by the Indian startups and Match Group. The corporation has previously said it will comply with all laws, including the antitrust regulations.

What Is The Viewpoint of CCI In This Case?

The Competition Commission of India has not yet responded to the letter and acquisitions made by the startups and Match Group.

However, the CCI has previously taken strong action against Google for antitrust infractions, penalizing Google 925 crore rupees ($113 million) for abusing its dominant position in the search engine industry in 2022.