A top IT minister told Reporters that India’s government would take action against Alphabet Inc.’s Google (GOOGL.O) after an antitrust panel last year deemed the business to have abused its market position by engaging in anti-competitive conduct.
In October, Google was fined $275 million in two cases by India’s antitrust regulator for exploiting its dominating position in the Android operating system market and forcing developers to use its in-app payment system.
In an interview with Reuters at the IT ministry in New Delhi, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the federal deputy minister for information technology, said such discoveries are “serious” and cause “deep concern” to India’s federal government, which will take measures against Google.
Chandrasekhar demanded action from the ministry. “We thought it through. In weeks, you’ll see it. It won’t be ignored.”
The minister declined to identify what policy or regulatory measures the government could take.
Chandrasekhar, a top official in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, said the situation “is worrisome, not just for us, it’s worrisome for the entire digital ecosystem in India.”
Google did not react to the minister’s remarks. However, However, Chandrasekhar responded, “There is no need for any discussion,” when asked if he had discussed the matter with Google. Court decision.”
In March, an Indian panel upheld the Competition Commission of India’s conclusions of Google’s anti-competitive behavior in the Android market. The minister’s comments come amid increased animosity between Indian companies and Google.
After Tinder owner Match Group (MTCH.O) and numerous startups complained that Google’s new in-app payment service charge system violates the competition commission’s October judgment, India’s competition watchdog launched another investigation.
Google has stated the subscription fee supports investments in the Google Play app store and the Android mobile operating system, allowing it to distribute it for free.
After the Android antitrust judgment, Google was required to make major changes to how it markets its mobile operating system in India, even though “no other jurisdiction has ever asked for such far-reaching changes.” Android powers 97% of India’s 620 million cell phones, a key growth market for the business.
Apple (AAPL.O) and Amazon (AMZN.O) are also investigated for anti-competitive behavior in India. Chandrasekhar stated that the administration wanted to safeguard India’s digital economy.
He stated, “We don’t want growth that distorts consumer choice or free competition.” “We will look into what the government needs to do to prevent anyone, including Google, from abusing their market power or dominance.”
