Google Settles Android TV Antitrust Case With CCI For Over Rs 20 Crore

The Competition Commission of India has allowed tech giant Google LLC to settle the Android TV case through a majority order, according to a release issued by the anti-trust regulator on Monday.

As part of the settlement, Google will be required to pay an amount of Rs 20.24 crore.

The core allegation in this case was that Google abused its dominant position by enforcing restrictive agreements on original equipment manufacturers.

This included the compulsory bundling of Play Store with Android TV OS and preventing the use or development of competing Android forks through Anti-Fragmentation Agreements. These practices were alleged to block market access, restrict competition, impose unrelated obligations on OEMs, and ultimately stifle innovation, thereby violating competition laws.

As per CCI's investigation, the Android Smart TV OS held a dominant position in the market for licensable Smart TV operating systems in India. In addition to this, the Google Play Store was dominant in the market for app stores for Android Smart TV OS in India.

Google had agreements in place that stopped manufacturers from using or even developing alternative versions of the Android operating system, known as Android forks, the regulator pointed out.

It found that the Television App Distribution Agreement and Android Compatibility Commitments collectively imposed unfair terms. These included mandatory pre-installation of the full Google TV Services bundle, restrictions on developing or using Android forks, and the tying of services such as YouTube with the Play Store.

This allegedly made it difficult for competitors to enter the market or for manufacturers to innovate freely, as per CCI.

However, allegations under the applicable competition laws relating to refusal to deal and exclusive supply were not proven, it noted.

During the course of proceedings, Google applied for settlement and the commission invited objections and suggestion on the same. Thereafter, the proposal to settle the issue was agreed upon.

The Commission noted that under the "New India Agreement," Google would offer a standalone license for the Play Store and Play Services for Android smart TVs in India, eliminating bundling and default placement requirements.