Google vs CCI: SC's order a watershed moment for India's digital transformation
Indian internet firms such as MapmyIndia and Indus OS have welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to reject Google's appeal against the Competition Commission of India (CCI)'s Android antitrust order, terming it as a watershed moment in the history of the country's digital transformation initiatives.
On January 19, 2023 the Supreme Court declined to stay Google's appeal against CCI's order that had directed the tech giant to modify its conduct towards smartphone makers through a range of corrective measures besides imposing a penalty of Rs. 1,338 crore for exploiting its dominant position in Android in October 2022.
As per the executives of home-grown rivals of Google, the move will enable Indian consumers to use indigenous products in areas such as digital mapping and app marketplaces, which they claim is better equipped to meet the preferences of users in the country.
However, Google had warned that CCI's directions will make smartphones more expensive, lead to higher cost for app developers, harm the internet, increase risks to privacy and even pose threats for individual and national security. It said, while Google holds itself accountable for the apps on Play Store and scans for malware as well compliance with local laws, the same checks may not be in place for apps sideloaded from other sources.
