Google monopoly ends in India, smart TVs won't be able to run Google OS

Google has been in the news in recent times for multiple antitrust cases that have been filed across the world, alleging that it has unjustly developed a monopoly in the marketplace. Such a case has also been filed in India, which is now at the point of being finalized.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has explicitly mentioned that Google has "abused its dominant position" and exploited the rules to eliminate competition. After this ruling, it will no longer be obligatory for Android TV manufacturers in India to include Google's operating system (OS), Google Play Store, and other pre-installed apps.

Google has filed a settlement application under Section 48A of the Competition Act in India, which is being called the "New India Agreement". Under this agreement, Google will now provide separate licenses for its Play Store and Play Services for Android-based smart TVs in India.

CCI said that with this move, there will no longer be any pressure on TV manufacturers to pre-install these services by default or default apps set by Google. Along with this, Google has also decided to waive the condition of Android Compatibility Commitment (ACC), that is, now it will not be necessary to follow this condition on smart TVs shipped in India without Google apps.

A total fine of Rs 20.2 crore has been imposed on Google. A discount of 15% has already been given in this amount, which has been decided under the settlement. The whole case started with a complaint by two Indian advocates, Kshitij Arya and Purushottam Anand. They filed this complaint against Google LLC, Google India Private Limited, Xiaomi Technology India and TCL India Holding under Section 19(1)(a) of the Competition Act, 2002.

Google is being put under pressure not only in India but also in the US. A US court has recently ruled that Google illegally maintained its monopoly in the digital advertising sector. The court said that Google "intentionally and systematically" monopolized important platforms like publisher ad servers and ad exchanges, which are the backbone of the online advertising market and on which the earnings of news organizations and digital content creators depend.