Partial Relief for Google in India’s Ruling Against Control over Android Ecosystem

Google has received partial relief in India’s ruling against its control over the Android ecosystem. The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) upheld a penalty of Rs 1,337 crore on Google for anti-competitive practices in the Android ecosystem but eased some of the demands made by the Competition Commission of India (CCI).

NCLAT’s Decision

The NCLAT upheld six CCI directions against Google, including allowing users to choose their default search engine and not forcing OEMs to pre-install certain apps. However, it also eased some of the demands made by CCI, including distributing third-party app stores through the Google Play Store.

In addition, the NCLAT allowed third-party app stores on Android but ordered them to be side-loaded instead of being distributed through the Google Play Store. The NCLAT also eased CCI’s request that Google not restrict app developers on distributing apps via sideloading and Google’s ability to deny access to the Play Services API to OEMs, developers, and competitors based on certain criteria.

India’s Demand for Changes

India demanded changes in the treatment of its most popular operating system, Android, which included reducing pre-installed apps, loosening restrictions on Android “forks,” and distributing third-party app stores through the Google Play Store.

Google agreed to several changes in Android in India following the CCI’s rulings such as expanding “User Choice Billing” in the Play Store and lessening requirements for pre-installing Google apps. However, Google challenged CCI’s ruling before the NCLAT.

Google’s Reaction

Google welcomed NCLAT’s decision and expressed gratitude for the opportunity given by NCLAT to make their case. However, they are still reviewing the order and evaluating their legal options.

Google claimed that they have always invested in creating an open and flexible ecosystem for Android users and developers in India, and they will continue to do so in the future.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Google was penalized for violating anti-competitive practices in the Android ecosystem. The NCLAT upheld CCI’s ruling with some modifications, easing some of the demands made by CCI.

However, this decision may not be the end of the matter as Google is still considering its legal options, and they intend to continue investing resources and efforts in creating an open and flexible ecosystem for Android users and developers in India.

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