Google Faces India’s Wrath for Antitrust Violations

• Indian govt. to act against Google for antitrust breaches.
• Google fined $275M for Android dominance and in-app payment system.
• Govt. aims to safeguard the digital economy, and ensure fair competition.

The Indian government plans to take action against Google following an antitrust watchdog’s finding of the company’s abusive market practices. The watchdog fined Google $275 million for leveraging its dominance in the Android market and compelling developers to use its in-app payment system.

Rajeev Chandrasekhar, a senior IT minister, expressed concern over these findings and stated that the government would take necessary action in the coming weeks.

Read “Partial Victory for Google in India’s Android Antitrust Case“

“The ministry has to take action,” Chandrasekhar said. “We have thought through it. You will see it in the coming weeks. Certainly, it’s not something that we will leave and push under the carpet.”

Chandrasekhar, who is one of the highest-ranking officials in the Indian government, said the “issue is worrisome, not just for us, it’s worrisome for the entire digital ecosystem in India”.

When asked about if there will be any talks with Google about the issue he said “There is no need for any discussion. There is a finding of a court.”

Although the specific regulatory measures were not disclosed, the minister emphasized the gravity of the issue for India’s digital ecosystem. Google did not comment on the minister’s remarks. Meanwhile, tensions have been growing between Indian companies and Google, with the competition watchdog initiating another inquiry into the company’s practices. Apple and Amazon also face potential cases of anti-competitive behavior in India. The government aims to safeguard the digital economy and ensure fair competition by preventing market abuse.

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